DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT: TPV 21-070 Tree Preservation Variance for Elm Trails Subdivision
SUMMARY:
Request by Mr. Richard Mott, P.E. for approval of a tree preservation variance request from Unified Development Code Section 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 north of the intersection of Elm Trail and Walzem Rd in San Antonio. Staff recommends Approval. (Mark Bird, City Arborist, (210) 207-0278, Mark.Bird@sanantonio.gov, Development Services Department)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Project: BSA# APP-20-38800016
Council District: ETJ
Consultant: Travis Elseth, P.E. with KFW Engineers
Staff Coordinator: Mark Bird, City Arborist, (210) 207-0278
ANALYSIS:
The Development Services Department (DSD) has reviewed the information presented in Mr. Travis Elseth's letter submitted June 1st, 2021. Please refer to the applicant's letter and site plan for more information.
The Unified Development Code (UDC) - Article V, Section 35-523 (h), 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 floodplains 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 wishes to remove significant trees in excess of the minimum preservation requirements for environmentally sensitive areas. DSD staff does agree with the applicant's request to go below the minimum preservation of significant trees in the floodplain buffer for the following reasons:
1. The proposed site must be embanked to properly drain runoff and meet UDC regulations for residenti...
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