Council debates ordinance requiring shade trees at new single-family homes

Council members and planning staff discussed an ordinance amendment that would add tree-planting requirements for new single-family residential building permits in specified zoning districts.

Planning staff explained the amendment would modify Chapter 150 of the city code to require at least one shade tree planted in the front yard of new single-family homes (two trees for certain corner lots). The ordinance would specify a minimum two-inch caliper and require selection from an Oklahoma-proven tree list; trees could not be planted in the public right-of-way or within five feet of a public easement. The tree species and location would be indicated on the building-permit site plan for staff review.

Staff also made clear the amendment would not force subsequent homebuyers to retain the planted tree: “It doesn't require the residents who purchased the home to keep the tree. If they want to remove the tree, they can,” planning staff said.

Nut graf: The amendment is framed as a modest, pro-active zoning change meant to increase on-site tree canopy on new single-family lots, help passive solar outcomes and provide street shading; the transcript records staff explanations and brief public comment but does not show the final recorded vote in the excerpt.

Public comment and council action: The transcript records a short public comment exchange asking about locations where trees would be allowed and a staff reply that related topics were coming on the agenda. The item was discussed and placed on the record for action; a formal roll-call vote is not clearly recorded in the provided excerpt.

Ending: Staff offered to answer further questions and to accept documented requests for different species if applicants petition for a different tree choice; council moved to subsequent agenda items after public comment.