Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Development
CM/ ACM: John Cabrales, Jr.
Date: September 16, 2014
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the history and current status of the Tree Code, Tree Fund, and Tree Trusts; and Urban Forestry Ecosystem Assessment and Canopy Analysis.
Body
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this discussion is to provide a brief history and the status of amendments to the Tree Trusts option within the Tree Code and to request Council direction on proceeding with the amendments and the use of a citizen committee in the establishment of criteria for the use of Tree Funds, as directed by the previous Council. Staff will also present possible uses of Tree Funds. Moreover, staff will request Council direction on the timing of the rewrite of the Tree Code.
Tree Preservation and Landscape Requirements
Within Subchapter 13 of the Denton Development Code is the Tree Preservation and Landscape Requirements or more commonly known as the Tree Code. Adopted in 2004, the purpose of these regulations is to promote the preservation of trees, tree stands, including but not limited to remnants of the Cross Timbers Forest and existing tree canopy, to protect trees during construction, to facilitate site design and construction that contribute to the long term viability of existing trees.
Since its adoption, the Tree Code has been reviewed and evaluated to not only ensure tree preservation but also to ensure that it is not an impediment to quality development. Although the purpose of the Tree Code is preservation, if preservation cannot be reasonably achieved during development, redevelopment, or construction, the regulations allow for the removal of trees to varying degrees based on lot size and tree type. To lessen the impact of tree removal on the existing tree canopy and prevent the untimely and indiscriminate removal or destruction of trees, mitigation may be provided in...
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