Plano's zoning ordinance provides enhanced protection for significant and specimen trees. Trees above certain caliper thresholds receive additional protection during development review. While not labeled a 'heritage tree' program, large trees are valued in the urban canopy and receive greater protection during site development. Removal of large specimen trees may require enhanced mitigation.
Plano's heritage tree program protects trees of exceptional size, age, species, or historical value. Trees may be designated as heritage by the city arborist, tree board, or planning commission based on criteria including: diameter of 24+ inches at breast height, specimen quality, native species of ecological importance, or documented historical significance. Heritage tree protections include: no removal without city council or tree board approval, no pruning without arborist review, protection of the root zone (typically 1 foot per inch of trunk diameter) during construction, and fencing requirements around heritage trees on development sites. Damage to heritage trees (including root cutting, soil compaction, or chemical application) carries significant penalties. Removal requires replacement planting at a 3:1 to 5:1 ratio.
Unauthorized removal of heritage tree: $5,000–$25,000 per tree plus replacement at 3:1 to 5:1 ratio. Root zone damage: $1,000–$10,000 plus restoration. Development damage: stop-work order until protection plan approved.
Plano, TX
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