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Council approves variance to allow removal of one heritage tree for Worsbach mosque project
Summary
The council granted a tree‑preservation variance for 5307 Worsbach Road that allows removal of one heritage tree plus two medium and two large trees after the applicant revised the site plan to retain roughly 80% of on‑site canopy; vote was 3‑1.
The Leon Valley City Council voted May 19 to grant a tree‑preservation variance for a proposed mosque and learning center at 5307 Worsbach Road, allowing removal of one heritage tree, two medium trees and two large trees without paying the previously estimated mitigation fee.
Planning and zoning director Michael Gallardo told council the applicant revised the preservation plan to retain about 80% of the site’s existing canopy (about 660 inches of caliper) and to replace more caliper inches than would be removed, which staff said negated the mitigation fee calculation. “The applicant will replace more caliber inches than is being removed,” Gallardo said during the presentation.
The developer described reconfiguring building footprints to save five previously proposed heritage removals and said the remaining single heritage tree (a 30‑inch specimen) was still unavoidable because of site utilities. “We went and we looked at it and ... we moved the buildings toward the corners,” the applicant said, adding the revised layout will preserve trees around parking and the site perimeter.
Councilmember Ray Arasco moved approval and Counselor MSH seconded. The motion carried by a recorded voice vote (three in favor, one opposed). The council did not identify the opposing vote by name in the public record; the action was framed by staff as the result of a revised plan that substantially increased retained canopy.
The applicant will be required to follow the city’s replacement and planting requirements, per staff guidance, and to finalize mitigation details consistent with the revised preservation plan as the project proceeds through permitting.
