HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9641 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9641
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 10, 2014
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SUBJECT: PROPOSED URBAN FORESTRY AMENDMENTS
This report provides information concerning proposed text amendments to the Urban Forestry regulations
in the Zoning Ordinance. The primary purposes are to: 1) codify practices that meet customers' need for
process simplicity and speed while maintaining the intent of the ordinance; 2) provide incentives for
preserving and planting native and drought resistant trees; and 3) eliminate hearings that involve waivers
to remove invasive trees, as requested by the Urban Design Commission.
The City Council approved the original Urban Forestry ordinance in 2006 in response to clear cutting for
development, with the goal of obtaining a 30% tree canopy cover in a multi-aged forest. It was
acknowledged that trees provide multiple benefits including improving air quality, reducing the urban heat
island affect, reducing flooding, and improving the aesthetics of the city.
The most significant amendment is to change the emphasis from keeping "Protected" trees to removing
"Invasive" trees. Trees on a new "Invasive" list that are not preferred in the city will be able to be removed
after a survey is conducted. All other retained or planted trees will be accepted for canopy credit. This will
provide flexibility in tree selection that acknowledges differences across the city, as desired by the
Development Advisory Committee.
Other amendments will provide incentives for the planting of drought tolerant trees and a variety of trees
on a site. Developers would be allowed a 10% reduction in the planting requirement when using either of
these options, which is consistent with the city's water conservation efforts. Another incentive is increased
credit for preserving significant trees.
The amendments also codify and clarify processes in response to customer requests. These include more
flexible review for large multi-phase projects, giving partial canopy credit, and clarifying change of use
requirements from residential to non-residential.
Staff consulted with landscape architects who work frequently with the ordinance, and provided briefings
to the Development Advisory Committee, Urban Design Commission and Zoning Commission.
Below is the proposed schedule for adoption of the amendments:
Zoning Commission Public Hearing July 9
City Council Public Hearing August 5
If you have any questions, please contact Jocelyn Murphy, Planning Manager, Planning and Development
Department, at 817-392-6226.
Tom Higgins
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS