Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tree Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission backs variance for Mulberry Village project to allow limited tree‑drip‑line encroachments
Summary
The commission voted to recommend city council approval of a narrowed variance allowing specific encroachments into tree drip lines at 2541–2549 Pembroke Road, requiring certified‑arborist supervision and adherence to mitigation measures described in the arborist report.
Bulverde Planning & Zoning commissioners recommended that City Council approve a narrowly tailored variance to the city tree‑protection ordinance for the Mulberry Village commercial project at 2541–2549 Pembroke Road.
Staff explained the request was a narrowed re‑submittal of a July variance the council had previously denied; the earlier request sought broader rights to encroach into drip lines. The current application isolates the specific trees and encroachments on the submitted site plan and asks the city to waive the five‑foot trunk setback and the pervious‑material requirement for certain parking and driveway areas where existing encroachments exist.
Sarah Thomas, the applicant’s attorney, told commissioners the developer had tried to avoid impacts, but said site constraints and required infrastructure (stormwater, access for emergency medical services) made some encroachments unavoidable. She emphasized the applicant’s preference to keep trees where possible and noted the project will use certified arborists on any work occurring within drip lines.
Commissioners noted the applicant had included an arborist letter that recommended least‑invasive approaches and that repaving existing roadbeds rather than full replacement could be less harmful to root systems. After questions about alternatives and relative costs, the commission moved to recommend approval with the understanding that work within drip lines must be supervised by a certified arborist and that the developer will pursue mitigation where required.
The motion to forward the variance to City Council passed by voice vote at the meeting; Council will consider the application and the commission’s recommendation at a later date.
