Richardson now has a policy aimed at establishing tree preservation measures during construction.

Richardson City Council approved adoption of a tree mitigation and preservation ordinance during its May 6 meeting. The new ordinance outlines preservation, replacement and monetary mitigation for trees within the city for construction projects taking place on all property not zoned single-family residential..

The overview

As part of the approved regulations, individuals who remove trees would be required to replace them in equal or greater size, or pay the city $200 per caliper inch—used to measure the diameter of a tree trunk—removed. According to city documents, there are three designations for trees in the ordinance:

• Protected trees, which are between 6 inches and 24 inches in diameter and are not otherwise deemed unprotected
• Specimen trees, which have a diameter greater than 24 inches and are not classified as unprotected
• Unprotected trees, which are considered invasive species or otherwise noted by the city

Funds generated through tree mitigation payments are expected to pay for planting trees or other vegetation in the city, officials previously told council. Richardson’s Development Services Department will work with the Parks and Recreation Department to process applications for allowed cases of tree removal, such as a damaged, diseased or dangerous tree.

City staff previously presented potential tree mitigation regulations during the March 4 meeting. Any trees planted under the requirements of the tree mitigation ordinance would count toward landscaping requirements, per city documents.

What else?

City officials have said the tree mitigation measures will be followed during major city projects, including the municipal complex, which is home to the library and City Hall.

With approval from council, the ordinance takes effect immediately and carries a fine of up to $2,000 per tree per day.