Backup_JSC_Tree Ordinanace Presentation_20200122 — original pdf

Backup

Your Community Tree Preservation City of Austin Joint Sustainability Division January 22, 2020 Keith Mars, AICP,CA City of Austin, Texas Overview • The Community Tree Preservation Division • Tree preservation policy objectives and outcomes • Code and process • Due diligence • Proposed Code Rewrite Chapter 1 The Community Tree Preservation Division: Urban Forest Program (A Healthy Urban Forest for All) Click here to see all the great work Chapter 2 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 reduce speed and shade pedestrians 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 Efficacy of Heritage Tree Ordinance - Ordinance adopted in February 2010 - 14 Commission variances - Over 5,000 reviews by City Arborist staff - More than 70,000 inches of Heritage Trees reviewed - 95% preservation rate. National model. Chapter 2 Administering the Tree Ordinances (Process matters) The Larger the Tree, the Greater the Protection Review Criteria for Protected and Heritage Trees Code Criteria for Rules for Protecting Removal Trees 1. Prevents a reasonable use 2. Prevents reasonable access 3. Dead, diseased, or imminent hazard Due Process for Administering Heritage Tree Ordinance Chapter 3 Due Diligence for Reasonable Use (Reveal the real and perceived constraints, protect more trees) • Parking standards. • Know your Fire Code! It has a big impact on land use and trees. • Know your driveway alignment options. Transportation 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 PERIMETER PARKING 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 Example Plans for Tree Review Chapter 4 Code Rewrite: Proposed Tree Code Proposed Tree Code Updates •Administrative modifications along corridors •Street tree planting requirements •Residential planting requirements •Improved language and definitions Thank You. Questions? http://austintexas.gov/department/community-tree-preservation Keith.mars@austintexas.gov (512) 974-2755 A little something extra • http://austin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJo urnal/index.html?appid=6556beb9b4674d5 2a4720a30ffc012de Tree Canopy Cover Canopy webmap: https://arcg.is/0OWDaP