Title
Hold a Public Hearing on an Ordinance amending Chapter 125, Article VII of the Unified Development Code entitled “Tree Preservation, Mitigation, and Maintenance” (Executive Director of Development Services)
Background:
This ordinance amends Chapter 125, Article VII of the Unified Development Code to update the City’s tree preservation standards. The changes ensure predictable costs for mitigation, clear variance and appeal pathways, and a fair balance between development flexibility and canopy protection.
The amendment has been reviewed by the Strategic Plan Advisory Committee (SPAC) and received unanimous recommendations of support from the Planning and Zoning Commission (October 20, 2025). Staff also reached out to several developers within the City to solicit feedback to the proposed changes and received favorable feedback.
Key changes include:
* Introducing a 10% base removal allowance without replacement or fee.
* Allowing administrative approval for removal of up to 10% of significant tree caliper inches and City Council approval for removals up to 25%.
* Establishing a tiered in-lieu fee structure ($100-$250 per caliper inch) based on tree size.
* Setting a maximum penalty cap of 2× base and a cost safeguard limiting total tree-related charges to 30% of the unimproved land value (up to 50% for unpermitted clearing).
* Creating a clear appeals process where fines are suspended while under review and a decision issued within 30 days.
Approval of this ordinance will modernize and clarify League City’s tree preservation regulations, providing fair and transparent standards while protecting community character.
Staff recommends approval of this amendment to the City’s Unified Development Code’s Chapter 125, Article VII - Tree Preservation, Mitigation, and Maintenance.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Staff Redline Changes
3. Tree Amendment Changes Summary
4. Excerpt Minutes from October 20, 2025, P&Z Commission Meeting
5. Notificati...
Click here for full text