In a case that may tug at the heartwood of tree-hugging Austinites, the Planning Commission approved an variance allowing the cutting of one individual pecan tree during its May 27 meeting. The variance was granted at the request of nonprofit LifeWorks, who owns the property at 819 Tillery Street that the tree sits on. Its […]
City of Austin Heritage Tree Ordinance
The city ordinance that prohibits the unlicensed destruction of trees greater than 19 inches in diameter.
Posted inDevelopment
Environmental Commission approves heritage tree removal for East Austin housing project
The Environmental Commission voted to approve the removal of a 32-inch heritage pecan tree in East Austin to allow construction of a 120-unit supportive housing project for youth exiting foster care and the juvenile justice system. “This is the exact kind of project I wish we saw all the time on this commission because it’s […]
Posted inEnvironment
Tree ordinances continue to take root in Austin
Since 2020, Austin’s tree regulations and protections have preserved a total of 1,397,678 inches of trees within city limits. Thus far in Fiscal Year 2025, 4,670 inches of trees have been surveyed and 4,250 inches have been preserved, with 91 percent of inches surveyed being preserved. That’s what the Environmental Commission learned during a presentation […]
Posted inEnvironment
Environmental commissioners brush up on tree preservation 101
On Wednesday, the Environmental Commission revisited heritage tree ordinances, general preservation efforts going on around Austin and the rules for protecting and building around trees, with city arborist Naomi Rotramel and Community Tree Preservation Division Manager Keith Mars. Austin’s original tree ordinances were first adopted in 1983, largely thanks to the early advocacy of Margret […]
Posted inLand Development Code
City mistakes and heritage tree pave the way for East Austin variance
Unaware that it was prohibited by city code, Daniel Salazar carefully nestled his new home against his back property line. The project was approved by the city and the mistake was not identified until after the structure was built. As a result, Salazar came before the Board of Adjustment seeking a variance in order to […]
Posted inEnvironment
Environmental Commission recommends removal of two West Campus heritage trees
The Environmental Commission has recommended the conditional removal of two heritage trees from a property near UT Austin that is being developed as student housing. The 32-inch red oak, in “fair” condition, and a 25-inch pecan tree in poor condition stand on a property at the intersection of Nueces and West 24th Street, a couple […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Board of Adjustment debates request to sacrifice heritage tree or waterfront overlay
The Board of Adjustment exists to help residents achieve variances from the Land Development Code’s building regulations, but only if an applicant is willing to provide information and evidence of a valid hardship. Dan Coops, the owner of 71 Julius St., has appeared before the board several times in an effort to gain a variance […]
Posted inLand Development Code
Land use code to protect transit-oriented trees and increase canopy cover
A recent amendment to the draft Land Development Code could change how heritage tree preservation impacts new development on corridors. Council Member Paige Ellis offered a concept last week, the Supplemental Heritage Tree Preservation Program, that she said would help keep trees on corridors by relaxing zoning standards in exchange for preservation of a heritage […]
Posted inLand Development Code
How heritage tree regulations change under new draft code
Transition zones have proved to be a divisive topic at City Hall during the ongoing discussions about the Land Development Code draft. These zones, which are meant to promote “missing middle” housing options and increase density, are raising eyebrows due to changes in long-standing provisions that are proposed to achieve the desired density levels. One […]
Posted inPlanning
At Robinson Ranch, the apple may fall far from the tree
When Apple Inc. announced its plans to build a $1 billion campus late last year, there was a wave of speculation about what the company’s expansion would mean for Austin in terms of traffic congestion and employment opportunities. However, there was little talk of the company’s development plans. Site plans filed last December indicate the […]
Posted inEnvironment
Environmental Commission discusses how to make the Heritage Tree Ordinance even more tree-centric
Austin values its trees. According to the city arborist’s office, trees are a $16 billion asset to the community. In 1982, in an effort to better protect its trees, Austin implemented its inaugural tree ordinance, which was unique both then and now for its preservation-first approach. Since then, the city has evolved, and so have […]
Posted inReporters' Notebook
Reporter’s Notebook: Trees, fiber, petition
Heritage tree transplants see high success rates… Moving heritage trees within the city of Austin is no easy feat. It is, however, almost always successful. Out of the 20 transplant sites listed on the City Data Portal, all of the trees are thriving, according to Keith Mars, the Community Tree Preservation Division manager. He told […]