Overview of Applicant’s Request:

LCRA Transmission Services Corporation owns an approximately 24-acre property located southwest of the intersection of Stadium Dr and NE Inner Loop, next to an existing substation. LCRA wishes to construct a new 795 feet by 384 feet substation to the east of the existing substation for the purpose of interconnecting the existing and proposed substations.

The subject property has a mix of zoning districts, including Agriculture (AG), Office (OF) and Local Commercial (C-1); the proposed expansion will be specifically located in the portion of the subject property zoned Agriculture (AG). Pursuant to Section 5.05.010 of the Unified Development Code (UDC), this use, which is defined as Utility Services, Intermediate, is permitted in the Agriculture (AG) district provided that the following site design standards are met:

1. Any structure associated with the use shall be set back 25 feet from the property line of a residentially-zoned property.
2. An enclosed fence or wall at least six feet in height shall be constructed at the boundaries of any structure or apparatus associated with the use, consisting of:
   • Brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other similar masonry materials;
   • Redwood, cedar, preservative pressure treated wood or other similar materials; or
   • An alternate material approved by the Director.
3. All fence posts shall be rust-protected metal, concrete based masonry, or concrete pillars.
4. The intermediate utility use shall be screened with large evergreen shrubs planted four feet on center and staggered 30 to 36 inches, located exterior to any required fencing.
5. The facility shall be secured.

In addition to this use standards, the proposed scope of work is also subject to other site design standards including but not limited to tree preservation, impervious cover and stormwater management.

LCRA wishes to deviate from certain requirements in the City’s UDC for the proposed expansion, and as mitigation for these deviations is proposing to include certain enhanced or alternative features. Consequently, the property owner wishes to enter into a Development Agreement with the City to approve the deviations sought and enhanced or alternative features proposed in lieu of meeting the minimum standards. The specific requirements and enhanced or alternative standards include:

• Construction of an enclosed fence or wall of at least 6 feet in height, but no taller than 10.5 feet, around the substation. Arms carrying barbed wire are to extend inward or straight up.
• Installation of landscape screening on the exterior of the substation in accordance with the draft Alternative Landscape Plan.
• Payment to the City of $18,400 to mitigate the removal of Protected and Heritage Trees.
• Installation of street yard and bufferyard landscaping and temporary, above-ground irrigation facilities in accordance with the draft Alternative Landscape Plan; irrigation is to be maintained for 2 years minimum.
• Dedication of a 15-foot wide Public Utility Easement (PUE) along the rights-of-way of Stadium Drive and Northeast Inner Loop.
• Payment to the City of $20,736 towards the future installation of a sidewalk along Stadium Drive.
• Lengthen the detention pond level spreader to 250’
• Construction of a driveway with a 30’ radius return, thicker concrete, and expansion joints
• Impervious cover limitation not to exceed 30% of the subject property.

Staff’s Analysis:

Staff has reviewed the request in accordance with the Unified Development Code (UDC) and other applicable codes. Staff has determined that the proposed request complies with the criteria established in UDC Section 3.20.030 for a Development Agreement, as outlined below.

Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation:

At their April 20, 2021 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (6-0) of the request.

City Council First Reading:

At their April 27, 2021 meeting, the City Council approved (7-0) First Reading of the Ordinance for the request.