Tree Preservation Ordinance
The Tree Preservation Ordinance helps to ensure environmentally sensitive site planning which furthers the preservation of mature trees and natural areas; to protect trees during construction; to facilitate site design and construction which contribute to the long term viability of existing trees; and to control the removal of trees when necessary.
Southlake's current Tree Preservation Ordinance is Ordinance No. 585-D, which is intended to implement the Environmental Resource Protection recommendations of the Southlake 2025 Plan. All development applications received on or after May 1, 2006 shall comply with the requirements of Ordinance 585-D. However, if you have an approved plan or plat before the adoption date or before September 1, 2005, you will need to comply with Ordinance 585-B. (Please refer to Article 19.0 - Effective Date of Ordinance 585-C or 585-D for more details on which ordinance applies to your specific development.)
- Ordinance 585-D: Tree Preservation Ordinance and Technical Manual Note: The Technical Manual was last updated on November 4, 2008
- Ordinance 585-C: Tree Preservation Ordinance and Technical Manual (for development applications received on or after May 1, 2006. This is a large file, we recommend you right click and save to your hard drive before opening.)
- Ordinance 585-B: Tree Preservation Ordinance (for development applications received prior to May 1, 2006)
New Changes to the Tree Ordinance - Updated December 17, 2007
The City of Southlake Tree Preservation Ordinance was recently amended on November 20, 2007. The primary purpose for the amendment was to comply with the National Arbor Day Foundation's requirements regarding the City's responsibility for the administration of public trees and to remain eligible for the Tree City USA certification currently held by the City.
Other amendments to the ordinance include the addition of pruning standards, that all proposed plumbing and trenching on construction sites be shown on submitted Tree Conservation Plans, that the approved Tree Conservation Plan and Tree Protection Details be posted on all construction sites, and tree protection to be installed and inspected prior to the issuance of a Building Permit or Earth Disturbance Permit.
The most crucial amendment involves the posting a copy of the approved Tree Conservation Plan and Tree Protection Details on all construction sites, and that this and all required tree protection be installed and inspected prior to the issuance of any permit by the City. On all construction sites where trees are present, contractors and builders applying for permits must now apply for two types of permits, the Building Permit and a Tree Inspection Permit. Prior to any construction activity on the site, the permit applicant must install the required tree protection and signage and call for a tree protection inspection. Once the site is inspected for the proper tree protection and required signage, the permit can be released and construction may begin on the site.