Planning commission approves removal of six significant trees for Tech Town warehouse at 2901 Hero Way

The City of Leander Planning & Zoning Commission approved a request to remove six significant trees associated with the Tech Town office/warehouse development at 2901 Hero Way (tree removal case TRP‑25‑0036). The vote followed staff presentation of required mitigation ratios and the applicant’s explanation of site constraints.

Marilee Van Lubin of the planning department told the commission that trees between 18 and 26 caliper inches require commission approval and that the applicant proposed mitigation consistent with the composite zoning ordinance. Staff explained replacement ratios: significant trees 8–18 caliper inches are mitigated at 1:1, significant trees greater than 18 and less than 26 caliper inches are mitigated at 2:1, and heritage trees (greater than 26 caliper inches) carry a 3:1 replacement requirement and a higher fee in lieu.

The applicant’s engineer, Barry Brown of Good Faith Engineering, explained the site’s drainage constraints and a required channel and detention pond that limit buildable area and make it difficult to preserve every tree. Staff reported the applicant would receive replacement credits (about 24 caliper inches) and had the option to pay a fee in lieu for a 21‑caliper‑inch deficit; staff noted a tentative fee in lieu of $3,150 for that deficit. No heritage trees were proposed for removal; staff said the project will preserve five heritage trees (totaling 46 caliper inches).

Commissioners generally praised the effort to preserve existing trees where possible. Commissioner Mahan said he appreciated that no heritage trees were proposed for removal and noted the applicant saved a majority of on‑site trees; other commissioners expressed similar views. The commission approved the tree removal request (motion to approve by Commissioner Ladde, seconded by Commissioner Lantrip) and the applicant will be required to meet mitigation and fee requirements before issuance of site development permits.

Mitigation and conditions to be completed prior to site development permit issuance include replacement plantings to meet the required caliper ratios, credit applied for preserved trees and payment of any fee in lieu. Staff set the fee in lieu for the identified deficit at approximately $3,150 to be paid before site development permit issuance.

Speakers quoted in this article are drawn from the meeting record and include planning staff, the applicant’s engineer and commissioners.