DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 20-026 Medina River Greenway Phase 3
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Brandon Ross 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." The site is generally located at 1349 Neal Road. Staff recommends approval. (Herminio Griego, (210) 207-6042, herminio.griego@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 1913627
Council District: 3
Consultant: Mr. Brandon Ross with Parks and Recreation Department
Staff Coordinator: Herminio Griego, Assistant City Arborist, (210) 207-6042
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Homer Garcia's letter dated February 26, 2020.
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. Heritage trees shall be preserved at one hundred (100) percent preservation within both the 100-year floodplain 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 a heritage tree in excess of the 100% preservation requirements within the Environmentally Sensitive Area in place under the 2010 Tree Preservation Ordinance for construction of Medina River Greenway Phase 3 project. DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to mitigate for the removal of heritage tree below 100% for the following reasons:
1. Existing site conditions - The Medina ...
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