(A) Tree protection will be installed before any site work is initiated and maintained for the duration of the construction work.
(1) It will consist of fencing (orange mesh or chainlink) placed around the RPZ.
(2) No vehicles or construction materials/debris will be allowed in the RPZ.
(3) No equipment shall be cleaned or other liquids deposited within the limits of the dripline of any protected tree. This includes, but is not limited to, paint, oil, solvents, asphalt, concrete, mortar, or other materials.
(4) No signs, wires, or other attachments, other than those of a protective nature, which have been approved in the tree disposition plan, shall be attached to any protected tree.
(5) Trespassing or throwing trash into a protective fence area is prohibited.
(6) Any damage done to tree crowns or roots will be repaired immediately and any wounds on live oaks will be painted with pruning paint within 60 minutes to prevent oak wilt.
(7) Wells or retaining walls around the RPZ will be used if proposed finished grades will raise or lower the natural RPZ grade by more than six inches.
(8) The finished RPZ will be pervious except for those areas excluded in division (A)(12) below.
(9) For commercial, multifamily and other developments, a minimum of 25% of the total DBH must be preserved.
(10) For single-family residential development of single or contiguous lots, contiguous lots include three or more lots, a minimum of 50% of total DBH must be preserved.
(11) For individual lots, 45% of total DBH must be preserved.
(12) Utility and flatwork per the original builder’s plan are exempt for up to 45% of the RPZ.
(B) Even though the preservation standard is met, a permit is still required to remove heritage trees and protected trees. There is a mitigation requirement imposed for the removal of any and all heritage trees, and for the removal of any and all protected trees.
(C) Residential homebuilders in the city are henceforth required to provide and plant, or allow to remain, a minimum of two approved trees per single dwelling lot. When mature, the species planted will have an average crown greater than 15 feet in diameter. Trees planted or allowed to remain shall have a minimum two-inch DBH and an overall height of at least eight feet when planted. Trees may be planted within the city’s right-of-way only if approved by the city in accordance with the Tex. Trans. Code §§ 316.002 and 316.003.
(D) For single-family residential developments, each residence will have a minimum of two approved trees.
(E) Each tree will have a two-inch DBH minimum.
(F) All trees shall be of an approved/authorized species. (See § 98.14 pertaining to authorized species.)
(G) Site plans should accommodate existing trees by providing islands in parking lots, grading, and landscaping surrounding structures. In commercial, multi-family, and other developments, trees will be added to the landscape, as necessary, to have the equivalent of four-inch DBH per 50 feet of street frontage.
(H) Protected trees are mitigated at a ratio of one inch to one inch. Heritage trees are mitigated at a ratio of three inches for every one inch of removed tree. Mitigated trees will be approved trees, see the authorized species list, and have a minimum DBH of two inches.
(I) Multi-family developments.
(1) Apartments shall have a minimum of one preserved or planted tree for each four dwelling units.
(2) Other multi-family dwellings such as town homes, duplexes, tri-plexes and modular home parks, shall have a minimum of one preserved or planted tree for each dwelling unit.
(Ord. 12-1058, passed 7-19-2012)