Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution to Amend the City of McKinney’s Reforestation Plan per Article 4 (Tree Preservation) of the Unified Development Code in the City of McKinney Code of Ordinances
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Direction for Strategic and Economic Growth
(1C: Provide a strong city economy by facilitating a balance between industrial, commercial, residential and open space)
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Hunter Worthy, ISA, Urban Forester
Caitlyn Strickland, AICP, Planning Manager
Lucas Raley, AICP, CNU-A, CFM, Director of Planning
APPROVAL PROCESS: The recommendation of the Tree Board (Planning and Zoning Commission) shall be sent to the City Council for consideration at the August 4, 2026, meeting.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed updates to the reforestation plan.
ITEM SUMMARY: The Planning Department has prepared an updated Reforestation Plan to govern the administration, allocation, and strategic deployment of the City’s Reforestation Fund. Authorized under Section 407 of the Unified Development Code (UDC), this updated plan modernizes administrative oversight, establishes three distinct programmatic initiatives, and introduces clear guidelines for tree replacement, including a structured program for trees impacted by City-led Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.
The Reforestation Plan has not been updated since 2008 when it was originally adopted by City Council. This update to the plan ensures that developer-funded mitigation payments are managed with high accountability, transparent reporting, and provide the maximum positive impact on McKinney's urban canopy.
BACKGROUND: Under Section 405G ("Tree Replacement Payment") of the McKinney UDC, development projects which do not meet the tree mitigation requirements on-site are required to make a payment into the City's Reforestation Fund. Section 407 ("Reforestation Plan") mandates that these funds be expended in accordance with a plan approved by the City.
The Reforestation Plan serves as the strategic framework for these expenditures, ensuring the urban canopy is both sustained and expanded in tandem with McKinney's rapid growth. The proposed update replaces the previous version of the plan from 2008 to offer clearer definitions, stronger inter-departmental coordination, and improved community outreach pathways.
DISCUSSION: The updated Reforestation Plan organizes the use of the Reforestation Fund into clear administrative parameters and three core initiatives:
- Tree Planting Program (Public Property)
o This part of the Reforestation Plan is not changing
- CIP Replacement Tree Program
o To preserve the canopy during essential infrastructure expansion, this program addresses quality trees (DBH of 6 inches or greater) altered by City-led capital projects:
o Public & Private Application: Allows replacement trees to be planted on public property or adjacent private property (specifically restricted to front yards).
o Vouchers & Cash-in-Lieu: Provides property owners with planting vouchers or a cash-in-lieu option capped at $1,400 per property, unless otherwise approved by City Council.
o Annual Program Cap: Establishes a maximum program expenditure of $50,000 per fiscal year to maintain long-term fund stability.
o Sizing Matrix: Implements a clear restoration schedule based on the diameter of the removed tree:
o Trees 6” to 16” DBH are replaced with a 4” canopy tree.
o Trees greater than 16” DBH are replaced with a 6” canopy tree.
• Urban Canopy Enhancement Program
o Research & Master Planning: Authorizes the use of funds for urban forestry studies, heat island mapping, and data gathering.
o Education & Outreach: Funds the creation of educational materials and programs to promote community-wide stewardship.
o Public-Private Partnerships: Enables programs that match private landowners with planting resources to grow the residential canopy.