DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 19-021 Tree Preservation Variance for Union Pacific Railroad Bridge 8.82 Replacement
SUMMARY:
Request by Ms. Jean Devlin 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 at 12078 Southton Road. Staff recommends approval. (Herminio Griego, (210) 207-6042, herminio.griego@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 2468597
Council District: 3
Consultant: Ms. Jean Devlin of HDR Engineering.
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) reviewed the information presented in Ms. Jean Devlin's letter dated March 12, 2019 (paid May 8, 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 Riparian Buffer in excess of the 80% minimum preservation of protected significant trees in place under the 2010 Tree Preservation Ordinance for the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge 8.82 replacement project. DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to mitigate via paying into the Tree Mitigation Fund and by reseeding for tree survey inches determined to be below 80% significant tree preservation for the following reasons:
1. Existing site conditions - This project includes the r...
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