Heritage & Protected Trees: Dallas vs Richardson
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Dallas, TX and Richardson, TX?
Dallas and Richardson have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas protects significant trees through Article X of Development Code Chapter 51A. Protected trees include those meeting minimum caliper standards. The 2018 amendments to Article X strengthened tree conservation requirements, renaming the division to 'Urban Forest Conservation.' Tree protection during construction requires a tree protection plan under Sec. 51A-10.136 including site plans, tree protection zones, and utility routing. Conservation easements may be used for preservation credit.
View full Dallas rules →Richardson, TX
Dallas County
Richardson designates trees of 24+ caliper inches as specimen trees under Ch. 22.5. Removal of specimen trees requires 2:1 caliper inch replacement ratio. Unauthorized removal carries a $2,000 per tree per day penalty.
View full Richardson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Richardson |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Ch. 51A, Art. X (Urban Forest Conservation) | - |
| 2018 Amendments | Strengthened conservation requirements | - |
| Construction Protection | Sec. 51A-10.136 (tree protection plan) | - |
| Plan Requirements | Site plan, protection zones, utility routing | - |
| Conservation Easements | Available for preservation credit | - |
| Definition | - | 24+ caliper inches |
| Replacement Ratio | - | 2:1 caliper inch |
| Penalty | - | $2,000 per tree per day |
| Exemption | - | Unprotected (invasive) species |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
How does Dallas protect heritage trees?
Article X of the Development Code protects significant trees through permit requirements, construction protection plans, and replacement mandates. The 2018 amendments strengthened urban forest conservation.
What must a tree protection plan include?
Under Sec. 51A-10.136, plans must include a scaled site plan showing land disturbance, tree protection zones, proposed utilities, and staging areas to protect retained trees during construction.
Richardson FAQ
What is a specimen tree in Richardson?
A tree of at least 24 caliper inches that is not on the unprotected species list. Specimen trees have enhanced protection with a 2:1 replacement ratio.
Can I remove a large oak tree on my property?
If on non-single-family residential property, you need a permit and must replace at 2:1 ratio for specimen trees. Check with Development Services for your specific situation.
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