20210825-001b: City of Austin Tree Regulations Overview — original pdf

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City of Austin 2021 Environmental Commission Retreat City of Austin Tree Regulations Overview August 25, 2021 Keith Mars, AICP,CA Naomi Rotramel, City Arborist Overview • History and Values – The Austin Way • Policy and Governance – Tree Preservation Ordinances Work • Government that Works – Process and Due Diligence Matters • Austin’s Future Urban Forest The Community Tree Preservation Division: Urban Forest Program (A Healthy Urban Forest for All) Click here to see all the great work The Community Tree Preservation Division: City Arborist Program (Nationally recognized tree preservation ordinances) Tree Ordinances in Austin • First adopted in 1983 • Public health, safety, and welfare (Home Rule & Discretionary) • Preserve first then replenish • Alignment with council strategic outcomes Preserve the character of Austin’s urban forest, protect its current health, and increase it’s longevity The Value of Trees in the Urban Environment • Trees are foundational to multiple public policy objects • Trees are a $16 billion asset • Trees reduce energy cost by ~$20M/year • Trees are critical to climate and equity outcomes Our Community Values Trees • Home Rule—Tree protection is an expression of our values • Continued public support for trees and tree preservation is crucial to the future of our urban forest Does the Heritage Tree Ordinance Work? - Ordinance adopted in February 2010 - ~16 Commission variances - Over 5,000 reviews by City Arborist staff - More than 70,000 inches of Heritage Trees reviewed - 95% preservation rate. National model. Administering the Tree Ordinances (Process matters-Government that Works for All) The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection Review Criteria for Protected and Heritage Trees Code Criteria for Removal Rules for Protecting Trees 1. Prevents a reasonable use 2. Prevents reasonable access 3. Dead, diseased, or imminent hazard Due Process for Administering Heritage Tree Ordinance Due Diligence for Reasonable Use (Reveal the real and perceived constraints, protect more trees) Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? • Use based, form based, or both? Zoning Regulations • By right or up to? • Use based, form based, or both? • Do you know the setbacks? • Parking standards. • Know your Fire Code! It has a big impact on land use and trees. • Know your driveway alignment options. Transportation Austin’s Future Urban Forest (Opportunities and challenges abound) Thank You. Questions? SETBACKS - 15' ALLOWS FOR 45-75%GLAZING 15' 15' Site Diagram Thornton 2 Office Building REQUIRED FIRE ACCESS 43' FROM SOUTH PROP. LINE ALLOWS FOR PERIMETERPARKING Site Diagram Thornton 2 Office Building 5' SIDEWALK 5' SIDEWALK 25' 18' RESIDENTAL COMPATIBILITY SETBACK 300' from Property line 200' from Property line 100' from Property line Site Diagram Thornton 2 Office Building TREE PRESERVATION COUNCIL HERITAGE TREE OFFSET TOP FLOOR 5' SHIFTED TO 20' OFF PROP.LINE FOR CRZ OF NORTH TREES Site Diagram Thornton 2 Office Building TREE PRESERVATION HALF CRITICAL