Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Providing a Temporary Reduction in Size for New Canopy Trees from 4 Inch Caliper to 3 Inch Caliper
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic and Economic Growth
MEETING DATE: September 5, 2017
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Engineering
CONTACT: Emily Braht, RLA, Landscape Architect
Matt Richardson, P.E., Development Engineering Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This item establishes temporary relief to certain requirements in the Landscape Ordinance regarding the minimum size of canopy trees.
• The Landscape Ordinance currently requires canopy trees be minimum 4 inch caliper and staff is recommending a temporary reduction to 3 inch caliper due to supply issues.
• Staff has confirmed a supply issue with multiple nurseries to obtain the current ordinance requirement of 4 inch caliper canopy trees.
• In order to carry out timely Certificate of Occupancy inspections, Staff is requesting temporary relief from the minimum canopy tree size until supply rebounds.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• The city currently requires 4 inch caliper canopy trees for commercial and residential development.
• During the economic downturn around 2009, nurseries greatly reduced the number of trees planted that would have become 4 inch caliper trees by this time. A canopy tree takes approximately seven years to become a 4 inch caliper tree.
• Furthermore, the active construction market has also depleted the supply of these canopy trees.
• Currently, the City of Frisco, City of Plano, City of Denton, City of Dallas and City of Richardson have also temporarily reduced their caliper tree size to 3 inch due to availability.
• The gap in supply is anticipated to be 1 to 2 years.