Benbrook commission approves payment-in-lieu for Ridgeley Country Club tree removals

The Benbrook Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 13 approved an alternative tree mitigation plan allowing Ridgeley Country Club to pay in lieu of replanting 17 trees as part of a South Course renovation.

Britney Crenshaw of JBI Partners, representing Ridgeley Country Club, told the commission the renovation is intended to "enhance drainage, turf health, and player safety" and that the work would require removal of 17 trees totaling about 486 caliper inches. Under Benbrook's mitigation rules the project would otherwise replant 50% of the removed caliper inches and pay the remaining 50% into the city's tree fund; Crenshaw said that would equate to roughly 122 two-inch trees (or 41 six-inch trees) and about $24,000 in payments. The applicant asked instead to pay 100% in lieu—about $48,000—arguing that additional plantings in constrained spaces would increase shade, harm turf that "requires about 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight every day," and could cause erosion and drainage issues.

A city planning staff member reviewed the site and said the South Course is mostly in Fort Worth and that just under 40 acres of the golf course lie inside Benbrook. Staff reported the 17 trees represent about 6.12% of the property's existing canopy and concluded the alternative mitigation plan "supports the overall intent of the city's tree preservation ordinance." Staff also noted that the applicant's final construction and landscape plans remain under staff review and that the commission's decision concerned only the mitigation method, not permission to remove specific trees.

During public comment, resident Bill Mathieson, whose property borders the fairway, asked whether the proposal involved only trees or additional vegetation along property lines and asked about the project timeline. A project representative said the request pertains only to the 17 identified trees and that construction is expected to finish by July 2026 once permits are approved.

Commissioner Wallace moved to approve the alternative mitigation plan as presented by staff; Commissioner Rodriguez seconded. The commission recorded five yes votes and approved the plan. The applicant may still submit revised planting or landscape plans reflecting any partial replanting; staff said the mitigation option allows anywhere from 0% to 100% replanting and that applicants may submit revised plans showing additional plantings.

At a glance: two formal votes recorded at the meeting. The commission approved the prior meeting minutes (motion carried, roll call recorded five yes votes) and approved the Ridgeley Country Club alternative mitigation plan (motion carried, 5-0).

The commission did not take action approving the actual tree removals; site permits and final landscape plans remain under staff review.