DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 19-009 Tree Preservation Variance for Gombert Tract (Cielo Ranch) Units 2 & 3
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Jon Robinson, RLA, for approval of a tree preservation variance request from Unified Development Code 35-523 (h), "significant trees shall be preserved at eighty (80) percent and heritage trees at one hundred (100) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas", general located on Ralph Fair Road and Old Paseo Way Staff recommends approval. (Herminio Griego, (210) 207-6042, Herminio.griego@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 2362487
Council District: 8
Consultant: Jon Robinson, RLA with Horizon Design Landscape Architecture
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Jon Robinson's letter dated January 11, 2019 letter received on January 16, 2019.
The Unified Development Code (UDC) - Article V, Section 35-523 (h), 100-Year Floodplain(s) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas states that, "Significant trees shall be preserved at eighty (80) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas. Mitigation shall be prohibited in floodplains and environmentally sensitive area except when a variance is granted by the Planning Commission."
The applicant is requesting a Variance Request to mitigate for removal of surveyed trees within the 100-year floodplain and Riparian Buffer in excess of the 80% and 100% minimum preservation of protected significant and heritage trees respectively in place under the 2015 Tree Preservation Ordinance for development of the Gombert Tract (Cielo Ranch) Units 2 and 3 project. DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to mitigate via planting for tree survey inches determined to be below 80% significant and 100% herit...
Click here for full text