C20-2023-013 Butler Trail Amendments
C20-2023-013 Butler Trail Amendments
Amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow the Butler Trail to remain within the setbacks applicable to Lady Bird Lake; and to allow capital improvements made to the Butler Trail to comply with the recommendations from the 2015 Butler Trail Urban Forestry and Natural Area Management Guidelines, maintenance standards of care listed in the Butler Trail POMA, and the recommendations provided in the Butler Trail Safety and Mobility Study.
Background
On May 18th , 2023, City Council approved Resolution No. . 20230518-044 to initiate amendments to City Code Title 25 (Land Development) to allow the Butler Trail to remain within the setbacks applicable to Lady Bird Lake; and to allow capital improvements made to the Butler Trail to comply with the recommendations from the 2015 Butler Trail Urban Forestry and Natural Area Management Guidelines, maintenance standards of care listed in the Butler Trail POMA, and the recommendations provided in the Butler Trail Safety
and Mobility Study.
Summary of Proposed Amendment
In 2017, provisions were added to the Land Development Code section 25-8-261 (CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT) restricting development within the 50 ft setback of Lady Bird Lake including the construction of trails like the existing Butler Trail, approximately 85% of which is currently located within the 50 ft setback of Lady Bird Lake. This restriction makes it more difficult to enhance, reconstruct and build the Butler Trail in its current alignment. Staff requests an update to the language that would accommodate the current Butler Trail alignment and width while continuing to provide protection to the shoreline through mitigation and improvements to the health of the floodplain. Three amendments to 25-8-261 (CRITICAL WATER QUALITY ZONE DEVELOPMENT) are proposed:
- 25-8-261 (B)(3)(c) to allow the Butler Trail to exceed 12 feet width
- 25-8-261 (B)(3)(f-g) to allow the Butler Trail to be located within 50 feet ofthe shoreline of Lady Bird Lake with mitigation for impact.
- 25-8-261 (C)(2) to remove the requirement for additional restoration forshoreline disturbance associated with shoreline access for the Butler Trail.
Review and Adoption Timeline
- Dec. 6, 2023: Recommended by the Environmental Commission
- Dec, 13 2023: Recommended by the Codes and Ordinances Joint Committee
- Feb. 27, 2024: To be reviewed by the Planning Commission
- March 7, 2024: Approved by the City Council
Approved Ordinance
Case Manager Contact
Leslie Lilly, Watershed Protection Department, Leslie.Lilly@austintexas.gov