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Parks board backs draft tree‑preservation amendment to zoning ordinance
Summary
The parks board voted to recommend approval of a draft zoning ordinance amendment that adds tree‑preservation rules, defines protected trees and changes landscaping standards including parking‑lot tree spacing and prohibiting street‑right‑of‑way planting for new development.
The parks board voted to recommend that city council approve a draft amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance that would add standards for tree preservation, define protected trees and modify development landscaping requirements.
Planning staff presented the draft amendment noting it adds definitions (tree survey, protected tree, tree preservation plan), a clear intent statement, permitting requirements for the removal of protected trees and exemptions. The draft defines protected trees as species such as oak (all varieties), pecan, magnolia and elm that meet a size threshold: diameter at breast height of 19 inches or circumference of 60 inches or more. The presenter explained the protected‑tree rules target large, character trees and are not intended to stop most development.
Exemptions in the draft include existing single‑family lots and lots of record under 20 acres and projects already under construction; staff said the 20‑acre cutoff responds to the city’s mix of rural and estate parcels and to state limits on regulating individual residential owners’ trees. The draft also proposes tree‑preservation credits (reducing new planting requirements when large trees are retained) and sets rules for tree protection during construction.
Planned landscaping changes include removing the requirement to plant in the right of way (and expressly prohibiting planting in the right of way for new development), a change to parking‑lot planting from one tree per five spaces to one per ten spaces to allow future growth room, and a new transitional buffer requirement (10‑foot buffer with a tree every ~30 feet) between residential and nonresidential uses.
Board members asked about species lists and suggested adding pines and other native species to support birds and raptors; staff said an arborist review has occurred informally and the city will seek additional professional input as the ordinance is refined. The board moved to recommend approval of the draft with the input provided and the motion passed unanimously.
Staff will bring the board’s input to the planning and zoning commission and then to council for final readings.
