Council adopts narrower tree‑trimming ordinance, exempts homeowners from permits

The Bee Cave City Council voted unanimously on March 10 to adopt Ordinance No. 599, amending Chapter 26 (Article 26.03.004) of the city code to clarify tree‑trimming rules and exempt single‑family property owners from the permitting requirement for trimming their own trees. Mr. Baker, who presented the ordinance, described the changes as focused clarifications rather than broad policy shifts: "the revisions that are proposed ... are very surgical in nature, really intended to simply clarify the city's ordinances and codes to exempt single family property owners from having to ... get a permit."

Council members and residents emphasized the ordinance in the context of oak wilt prevention. The presenter and staff reiterated that the allowable trimming window remains July 1 through February 1 and that wound‑painting and sanitation of equipment are recommended practices to reduce the spread of the disease. Resident Rick Skadden of Bee Cave urged stronger enforcement and a higher penalty, saying, "An oak — a large oak tree is worth a lot more than the $500 penalty ... Not enforcing it, people are just gonna do whatever they want." City legal staff noted state limits on fines but explained that the ordinance allows daily fines that can accumulate if violations are not corrected.

The council also discussed enforcement practicality: staff said inspectors may cite violations visible from public rights‑of‑way or when a neighbor invites staff onto private property to observe a potential violation; they noted limits on entering private lots without permission. The ordinance keeps permit and sanitation requirements for landscapers and businesses that work across multiple properties. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 599 carried unanimously. The ordinance will take effect per the dates stated in the ordinance text.