Lewisville staff propose lowering protected tree size, new heritage‑tree rules and higher replacement fees

Lewisville staff presented proposed revisions Nov. 1 to the Unified Development Code’s tree-preservation and parkland-dedication rules designed to strengthen the urban tree canopy and streamline park development agreements.

Staff said the main changes include lowering the protected-tree diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) threshold from 8 inches to 6 inches for development review, introducing heritage-tree designations (examples: post oaks and blackjack oaks with higher DBH thresholds), and raising mitigation fees for certain trees. Staff noted that the council previously moved the parkland replacement fee from $150 per inch to $200 per inch during the budget process and that they now recommend an elevated $300 per inch mitigation fee for heritage trees to better cover costs of replanting.

Staff also proposed clarifications for developers: label all final plats with city-park designations, require sidewalk construction along dedicated parkland, and refine park development agreement timelines so developers cannot request reimbursement refunds if the city fails to build a park within a clarified window. Planning & Zoning and the park board have reviewed the proposals (park board gave preliminary support on Oct. 28) and staff said they will seek a formal recommendation from Planning & Zoning on Nov. 2 with target council action Dec. 1.

What happens next: Staff will return to Planning & Zoning for a formal recommendation and then bring the ordinance to council for action on the schedule noted.