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Planning commission approves tree-variance for Intertek solar array after staff mitigation recommendation
Summary
The San Antonio Planning Commission approved a tree-variance allowing Intertek Automotive Research to remove 12 significant trees for a proposed 1-megawatt solar array, with the applicant to pay into the city tree mitigation fund rather than replanting on-site.
The San Antonio Planning Commission on April 23 approved a tree-variance permitting Intertek Automotive Research to remove significant trees to install a 1-megawatt solar array at 4950 Callahan, with mitigation to be paid into the city tree mitigation fund.
City arborist Marquardt told the commission that the Unified Development Code requires 80% preservation of significant trees and 100% preservation of heritage trees in the 100-year floodplain and environmentally sensitive areas, and that the Intertek project was proposing 13.7% preservation of significant trees and the removal of 12 trees in the environmentally sensitive area. Marquardt said staff recommended approval of mitigation through payment to the mitigation fund.
The applicant, Tim Halloran of Intertek Automotive Research, confirmed the site address and described the parcel as part of an existing automotive testing facility. Justin Scribe, the project’s certified arborist consultant, and Antonio Till of HOPE Renewables answered commissioner questions about tree condition, constraints from underground utilities and process infrastructure, and site layout.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on why replanting on-site was not feasible. Halloran and the applicant team said the southwest portion of the parcel is bound by a floodplain, contains utilities and an oil-water separator, and has areas where replanting would conflict with the planned solar array and with essential equipment; they therefore proposed payment in lieu of on-site replacement. The applicant also stated the array would offset roughly two-thirds of the facility’s annual electricity use and estimated about 1,200 tons of CO2 avoided annually over an assumed 30-year panel lifespan.
Commissioners also asked about the species mix and tree health; Scribe said many on-site trees (hackberries, chinaberries) were in decline. Commissioner questions touched on potential heat-island effects and whether mitigation plantings could be targeted to offset local effects; the applicant said the mitigation fund could direct plantings to public medians, bus stops or park spaces.
Commissioner Prophet moved to approve the variance; Commissioner Milam seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous among commissioners present, and the motion passed.
The commission’s action authorizes mitigation payment rather than replanting on the Intertek parcel; no additional binding replanting plan on the subject site was required as part of the motion. Staff and the applicant will follow city procedures for mitigation-fund payment and recording the variance approval.
Votes at a glance: motion to approve the tree-variance for Intertek Solar Project (1 MW array; preservation proposed at 13.7%; 12 significant trees removed) — mover: Commissioner Prophet; second: Commissioner Milam; outcome: approved (unanimous roll call).
