Rowlett commissioners require replacement trees after Cornerstone Church removes protected specimens

Rowlett Planning and Zoning Commission members on Tuesday recommended that Cornerstone Assembly of God mitigate the loss of three protected trees removed during construction at 4000 Dalrock Road by planting replacement trees on-site rather than waiving the mitigation fee.

The recommendation, made to the City Council, follows staff testimony that three trees marked for protection were damaged during site work, determined to be a safety hazard and removed with staff approval. Britney Musser, senior planner, told commissioners that the three removed trees totaled 63 caliper inches and that the code allows mitigation either by planting or by paying a fee; the fee assessed for the 63 inches was $7,665.21.

Why it matters: the commission’s decision signals that Rowlett will hold property owners accountable for tree-protection requirements even when damage occurs during construction, and…