Tree Ordinance

Heritage Tree

The City of Buda has adopted a Tree Preservation, Mitigation and Care Ordinance (Unified Development Code, Subsection 4.04) to conserve, protect, and enhance existing healthy and safe trees and natural landscape.

Exempted Trees

a.     A dead or diseased tree, which is deemed beyond the point of recovery and at risk of spreading the disease, as determined by a certified arborist;

b.      A tree that is deemed to be a threat to public health, safety or welfare, as determined by a certified arborist who has attained the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). The certified arborist shall submit a letter to the city within ten (10) days of the removal of the tree documenting the reasons for removal;

c.     Trees planted and growing on the premises for sale at a nursery; or

d.     Exempted Species: Hackberry, Easter Red Cedar, Common Ashe Juniper, Chinaberry, Mesquite, Ligustrum, Chinese Tallow, and Bradford Pear.

Tree Preservation

1.      Protected Tree - Trees between eight (8) and twenty (20) Caliper inches are designated as "Protected Trees". Any Protected Trees not exempt from preservation may be removed upon approval of a Tree Removal Permit by the Director of Planning. Any decision of the Director of Planning regarding a Tree Removal Permit may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment.

2.      Signature Tree - Trees between twenty (20) and thirty (30) Caliper inches are designated as "Signature Trees". Any Signature Trees not exempt from preservation may be removed upon approval of a Tree Removal Permit by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Any decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission regarding a Tree Removal Permit may be appealed to the City Council.

3.      Heritage Tree - Trees of thirty (30) Caliper inches or greater are designated as "Heritage Trees". Any Heritage Trees not exempt from preservation may only be removed upon approval of a Tree Removal Permit by the City Council following a public hearing. To issue a Tree Removal Permit, the City Council must find that no other alternatives for viable site development are possible and that the proposed removal is the minimum necessary relief required to allow for development on the property in a reasonable manner.

To prevent the spread of Oak Wilt, trimming of oak trees is not permitted between February 1 through July 1 unless performed by an Arborist. Any outbreaks of Oak Wilt should be reported to the City of Buda.