Commission approves 0% tree-preservation designation for phase-one parcels at Bailey Boswell Rd

The Urban Design Commission approved a waiver on Aug. 20 allowing the first phase of a multi-parcel development near 6250 W Bailey Boswell Road to count 0% toward the literal 25% protected-tree-preservation requirement. Staff said many on-site trees are unprotected volunteer species (Chinese pistache and small canopy volunteers) and that nearby right-of-way widening and grading make preservation impractical for this phase.

Laura Presley, the applicant’s landscape architect, told the commission the team is proposing robust new plantings and provided a phase-level canopy calculation showing the phase will meet or exceed standard canopy targets (staff estimated 33.8% of NUFA provided for the lots under review). Staff and the commission discussed the species composition and noted the city’s new approach to unprotected volunteer species reduces the number of required UDC cases overall.

Commissioners moved to approve the waiver for the phase under review; the motion passed unanimously (8–0). Staff will hold the developer to the provided planting and canopy numbers and future phases will be required to meet standard tree-planting thresholds.