Title
Consider an ordinance amending Chapter 43, Code of Ordinances (2010 Edition), regarding requirements for tree protection and preservation. (Second Reading)
Body
This is the third code amendment City Council will consider at this meeting regarding the Round Rock Zoning and Development Code. The primary purpose of this amendment is to establish unique protection measures for monarch trees.
When the tree protection and preservation chapter was last comprehensively amended in 2012, the intent was to prevent encroachment into the critical root zone (CRZ) of any monarch tree. However, a numeric standard wasn't established, creating the potential for confusion and inconsistent enforcement. This amendment clearly defines monarch tree protection standards by identifying which potentially hazardous activities can occur within the CRZ of a monarch tree, how close those activities can occur to the trunk of the tree, and how much of the entire CRZ can be impacted by those activities.
The critical root zone is a region measured outward from the trunk of a tree representing the essential area of the roots that must be preserved for the tree's livelihood. The CRZ is measured as one foot of radial distance outward from the trunk for every inch of the tree's diameter. For example, a live oak tree having a 36-inch diameter trunk (measured at 4½ feet above ground level) will have a CRZ with a radius of 36 feet.
The amendment also removes protection for mesquite trees, which has been in place since the initial adoption of the Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance. Mesquite trees can now be removed without mitigation and are considered an undesirable tree such as a hackberry. Finally, minor clarifications regarding other sections of the chapter have been provided to ensure ease of use.
P&Z Recommendation: the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the proposed amendments, although one notable change has occurred since being heard by the Com...
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