DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 20-015 Tree Preservation Variance for Vista Colina Apartments
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Robert Copeland 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", located at 17811 Kyle Seale Parkway. Staff recommends approval. (Mark Bird, (210) 207-0278, mark.bird@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project A/P# 2171146/Plat 160356
Council District: In ETJ, outside Council District 8
Consultant: Mr. Robert Copeland
Staff Coordinator: Mark Bird, City Arborist, (210) 207-0278
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Robert A. Copeland Jr.'s letter dated June 29, 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 areas except when a variance is granted by the Planning Commission."
The applicant is requesting a Variance Request to mitigate for removal of significant trees in excess of the 80% preservation requirements within the steep slope Environmentally Sensitive Areas for construction of the Vista Colina Apartments. DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to mitigate for the removal of significant trees below 80% for the following reasons:
1. Existing site conditions - The RRG Developers purchased the 13.9-acre property fr...
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