Cedar Park's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Cedar Park, Texas, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Removal Permits

Cedar Park requires a construction or site development permit before removing any tree on public right-of-way or any protected tree (8-caliper-inch or larger) on a development site under Article 14.07 of the Code of Ordinances.

Key details: Permit required: Yes - construction or site development permit. Protected tree threshold: 8-inch caliper (measured 1 ft above ground). Front setback protection: 4-inch+ hardwood trees within 25' front setback. Exemption: Brush/scrub cedar clearing with rubber-tired equipment. Authority: Cedar Park Code Article 14.07; Tex. Loc. Gov. Code §212.905.

Removal of a protected tree without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor under Texas Local Government Code §54.001 enforcement. General penalty under Cedar Park Code §1.01.009 allows fines up to $500 per day for code violations, and up to $2,000 per day for violations of health/safety/zoning ordinances. Each tree removed without a permit may be charged as a separate offense, and the city may also impose mitigation fees of $150 to $450 per diameter inch removed without authorization.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cedar Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Cedar Park requires developers to mitigate removed protected trees by replanting on-site, on public property, or paying a tiered fee-in-lieu ranging from $150 to $450 per diameter inch under Article 14.07.

Key details: Retention requirement: 50% of 6-inch+ trees from preferred plant list. Mitigation options: On-site replant, public property planting, or fee. Fee range: $150 to $450 per diameter inch. Preferred plant list: Austin Grow Green Guide + LCRA plant list. State-required credit: 40% (non-residential) / 50% (residential) per §212.905.

Failure to complete required mitigation (replanting or fee payment) prevents issuance of a certificate of occupancy and can result in code enforcement action under Cedar Park Code §1.01.009 with fines up to $500 per day ($2,000 per day for zoning violations). The city may also place a lien on the property for unpaid mitigation fees.

This is one of the stricter rules in Cedar Park's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Cedar Park's 2019 revised tree ordinance defines heritage trees as those 26 inches or more in diameter measured one foot above the ground, and assesses the highest mitigation fee tier ($450 per diameter inch) for their removal.

Key details: Heritage tree definition: 26+ inches diameter measured 1 ft above ground. Heritage mitigation fee: $450 per diameter inch. Mid-tier (19-25.9 in.): $300 per diameter inch. Lower tier (8-18.9 in.): $150 per diameter inch. Ordinance revision year: 2019 (lowered protection threshold to 8 in.).

Unpermitted removal of a heritage tree triggers the $450-per-inch mitigation fee plus potential general penalties of up to $500 per day under Cedar Park Code §1.01.009 (or up to $2,000 per day for zoning violations). A single 30-inch heritage tree removed without authorization could trigger $13,500 in mitigation fees alone. Enforcement is handled by Code Enforcement and Development Services through municipal court.

Compared to other cities, Cedar Park takes a harder line on heritage & protected trees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Parkway Planting

Cedar Park requires a construction permit from the chief building official before removing any tree in the public right-of-way, and allows abutting landowners to landscape the nonpaved parkway strip subject to the Transportation Criteria Manual visibility rules.

Key details: Right-of-way tree removal permit: Required - construction permit from chief building official. Landowner parkway landscaping: Allowed but city may require removal at any time. Visibility rules: Transportation Criteria Manual (TCM) clear-sight triangles. ROW work permit lead time: 5 days minimum (Article 3.07). Decision timeline: 5 business days by street superintendent.

Removing a parkway tree without a permit can be cited as a violation of Articles 14.07 and 3.07 with general-penalty fines up to $500 per day under Cedar Park Code §1.01.009, plus mitigation fees of $150-$450 per diameter inch. Unauthorized work in the right-of-way also exposes the actor to civil liability for damage to city infrastructure.

Protected Tree Species

Cedar Park does not designate specific species as 'protected' but applies its 50% retention requirement to trees on the city's preferred plant list (built from the Austin Grow Green Guide and LCRA list), which includes native oaks, cedar elm, and bald cypress.

Key details: Formal protected species list: No - retention based on caliper + preferred plant list. Preferred plant list source: Austin Grow Green Guide + LCRA plant list. Dominant species: Live oak (~70% of street tree value). Oak wilt pruning window: Avoid Feb-Jun (Texas A&M Forest Service guidance). Authority: Cedar Park Code Article 14.07.

Removal of any 8-inch+ caliper tree (regardless of species) without a permit triggers Article 14.07 mitigation fees and penalties up to $500 per day under Cedar Park Code §1.01.009. Failure to comply with oak wilt management guidance for trees in public right-of-way may also be cited.

The Bottom Line

Cedar Park is tougher than many cities when it comes to tree protection. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Cedar Park, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Cedar Park's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.