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Council denies tree‑removal permit for 5000 Lighthouse Drive, citing option to redesign and protect post oak
Summary
The Town Council denied a tree‑removal permit request affecting a large 32.5‑inch post oak at 5000 Lighthouse Drive and voted 4‑1 to reject the request, citing opportunities to reconfigure parking and preserve specimen trees on the three‑acre lot.
The Flower Mound Town Council on April 21 denied a tree removal permit for a single‑family lot at 5000 Lighthouse Drive, rejecting the applicant’s request to remove a 32.5‑inch post oak and a second specimen tree after questioning the necessity of proposed parking and site layout.
Planning staff presented the application (TRP25003) and ECC’s recommendation: approval of tree 8975 (smaller, in fair condition) and denial of tree 8982 (32.5-inch post oak in good condition). Staff showed the site plan and photos and described how one specimen would be impacted by a casita and parking. The applicant’s builder and owner’s representative described efforts made to accommodate the tree but said grading, drainage and site layout constrained options.
In debate, councilmembers pressed the applicant about the number of proposed parking spaces on a residential three‑acre lot. One councilmember said he could not justify 39 parking spaces on a single‑family property and observed that the lot could reasonably be developed without removing protected trees. Councilmembers also noted the applicant’s stated intent to add replacement plantings but emphasized that mature post oaks are difficult to replace.
Vote and rationale: The motion to deny the tree‑removal permit passed 4‑1 with Councilmember Taylor voting no and the other four councilmembers voting to deny. Council members said the lot could be developed with fewer parking spaces or a different layout that would allow preservation of the largest post oak. Several councilmembers urged the applicant to redesign the site plan to avoid removals of protected post oaks.
Outcome and next steps: With the denial recorded, the applicant can return with a revised plan. Council and staff discussed that the homeowner had proposed space for gatherings and occasional events, but council signaled limits on allowing large on‑site parking at a single‑family lot where post oaks are present.
