Temple, TX Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected size
- over 8 inches DBH
- Covered area
- floodplain + 300-ft buffer, I-35 overlay
- Mitigation fee
- $100 per caliper-inch
- Replacement ratio
- 1:1 caliper-inch
- Survey requirement
- signed/sealed by arborist or surveyor
Summary
Temple has no citywide heritage-tree ordinance, but its UDC requires protecting trees over 8 inches DBH near the floodplain inside the I-35 Corridor Overlay, backed by a per-caliper-inch replacement fee.
All trees over eight inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) located within the floodplain plus the area within 300 feet of the floodplain must be protected. A $100 per caliper-inch fee payable to the Parks Department may be made for trees that cannot be accommodated on-site after the required landscape elements are added... The removal of protected trees must be replaced on the property by planting new trees...that are equal to the total caliper-inches of the removed trees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Reformat).
Full Breakdown
Temple's Unified Development Code does not create a general heritage- or landmark-tree designation program. Its only diameter-based tree protection sits inside the I-35 Corridor Overlay District: any tree over 8 inches DBH within the floodplain plus a 300-foot buffer must be protected, with a signed and sealed tree survey required at preliminary site plan submittal. Removed protected trees must be replaced caliper-inch for caliper-inch, or the developer can pay $100 per caliper-inch to the Parks Department when on-site replacement isn't feasible.
Violations & Fines
Site plans within the I-35 Corridor Overlay that omit the required tree survey or fail to replace or pay mitigation for removed protected trees will not clear Planning Department site plan review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Temple have a heritage or landmark tree program?
What size tree is protected in the overlay?
What happens if a protected tree is removed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Temple
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Temple to another location·View the Texas tree protection overview
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