tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63019856861443627192024-03-05T02:21:25.487-06:00Dallas TreesA blog by your friendly neighborhood city arborist sharing information from the Article X (Ten) Landscape and Urban Forest Conservation ordinances. Phil Erwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08404435459283040090noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301985686144362719.post-37946522231892227172018-07-25T22:58:00.000-05:002019-06-13T08:06:51.718-05:00Soil Resource Plan (aka Drawing A Line In The Caliche}<br />
One of the new requirements in the 2018 Article X amendments placed on new developments is the provision for a soil resource plan. This plan is essentially a map showing zones of general soil types, quality, compaction, and other factors considered for planting and preserving trees. It is designed to reveal zones reserved for development from those for landscaping. And for the landscape areas, the plan will reveal how each zone is either protected from construction or restored from the heavy compaction of most development impact areas. Our goal is for the contractor to have a recognition and a plan to identify the areas on a building site where a healthy tree will grow on the development site with or without soil preparation.<br />
<br />
Let's go over the process for this document. We will address the soil resource assessment later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeJksj9n3NP5xI76g6zRbYEV5hnZcPvJ5PBtobnEvk1Pbpl8R9_5vJISqExXrCTRHFYoCdt4LZyFkDC3QvQ33EOyxronfyWPqDNvturPgH_cb2wiLKBdBCp0WvAd5CgxNRGCJI27IqJ4/s1600/1_1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="912" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeJksj9n3NP5xI76g6zRbYEV5hnZcPvJ5PBtobnEvk1Pbpl8R9_5vJISqExXrCTRHFYoCdt4LZyFkDC3QvQ33EOyxronfyWPqDNvturPgH_cb2wiLKBdBCp0WvAd5CgxNRGCJI27IqJ4/s640/1_1.webp" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>(b) <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Soil areas. Except as provided in this section, required landscape areas must include the following:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> (1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Soil resource plan</b>. A soil resource plan is required with the submission of a <b>landscape plan or tree protection plan</b>. A soil resource plan is used to distinguish landscaping zones from construction zones on the building site and to determine soil protection or soil modification for vegetation, if applicable. Zones that are required to be shown include:</i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(A)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>protected zones where existing soil and vegetation <b><u>will not be disturbed</u></b>;</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(B)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>zones for <b><u>soil amendment or treatment</u></b> with minimal disturbance;</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(C)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>zones where <b><u>construction traffic and staging will be allowed</u></b>; and</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(D) <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>zones for <b><u>stockpiling topsoil</u></b> and imported soil amendments.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
The soil resource plan can be included in the landscape/tree protection plan with the permit set or can be separated into a separate document. The best course of action preceding construction plan review would be to submit the documents to the city arborist as early as possible, along with engineering studies, to assure a suitable review process has been engaged. The report from the arborist could be made ready before permits are issued or while in a review.<br />
<br />
Essentially, the resource plan is a map and a prescription of work to help the general contractor to direct the flow of construction activity with an awareness of the potential for soil damage. If an area is heavily compacted and to be used for future landscaping, this particular area may need a soil preparation process with amendments to make the soil bed ready for receiving trees and other vegetation. It also does not serve to damage the owner's property. The <b>Landscape and Tree Manual <a href="https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/buildinginspection/DCH%20documents/pdf/Landscape%20and%20Tree%20Manual/BI_5.0%20Soils.pdf" target="_blank">Section 5 - Urban Soils</a> </b>provides information on retaining a healthy soil, how to test for the conditions, and methods on how to amend the soils for planting after severe compaction has occurred by using techniques like topsoil <b>fracturing</b>. The process loosens and recharges the soil to make ready a healthier growing site for newly planted nursery stock trees. It's not a process for around large established trees on the site.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzintAl2SJFDGb6Y8s-U2iJ20Bzf7FaKhyphenhyphenHXTSeuh57cvEqcuq2_iwsxy9xvb3ZsyjymkShXxybYpwN1NarBgQMHBBsDWGGdlMMImWhFmTKdGypZC2FrtZcvnMJxZRG7dCz1dafMRUS8/s1600/Fracturing+example.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="909" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzintAl2SJFDGb6Y8s-U2iJ20Bzf7FaKhyphenhyphenHXTSeuh57cvEqcuq2_iwsxy9xvb3ZsyjymkShXxybYpwN1NarBgQMHBBsDWGGdlMMImWhFmTKdGypZC2FrtZcvnMJxZRG7dCz1dafMRUS8/s640/Fracturing+example.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The plan will at first <b><u>separate the designated landscape areas from the impervious and developed portions of the building site</u></b>, including areas of infrastructure installation. The level of detail on the plan will depend on how the designer intends to communicate with both city staff, the general contractor, irrigator, and the landscape contractor on how certain areas may be avoided from construction practices while concentrating staging and construction activity elsewhere. This may help minimize the amount of preparation work and cost to make a site ready to receive trees in a healthy soil condition.<br />
<br />
The designated landscape areas should then be<b> listed<u> as undisturbed, minimally disturbed, heavy construction, or soil stockpiling</u></b>. The best method may be to indicate a zone by shading and a letter reference ("A", "B", etc.) and to indicate the specifics of the letter zone in a small table. Additional zones may be identified to specify a need to protect an area or to encourage construction traffic to a separate zone.<br />
<br />
<b>Undisturbed areas</b> should include areas in proximity to existing large trees on the property going out as far from the center of the tree as possible. On any construction site, any tree retained in proximity to a development impact area of construction will be damaged. The goal here, and in all construction projects, is to minimize that damage. If the tree is strong enough and in suitable soil conditions, the tree can long endure the stresses of construction.<br />
<br />
If an area is <b>minimally disturbed</b>, and a candidate for soil amendments and treatments, the process of soil treatment will depend on the severity of the impact. Even slightly damaged soils may still need a fracturing process if the site is even moderately compacted, but areas near large trees may need more selective and less intensive soil intrusion to minimize tree root damage.<br />
<br />
The areas of<b> heavy construction</b> will be areas to be considered for landscaping last and which will require the most significant preparation work to make ready for new tree planting or other site improvements. These areas may also include sites of intensive excavation and grading and the removal of topsoils in the construction area. The area will probably be a good candidate for soil fracturing prior to tree installation and should be remediated if hazardous chemical activity may have occurred in the area. Prep the soil with organics as needed in the soil treatments prior to tilling.<br />
<br />
Moved topsoils should be <b>stockpiled </b>on site and made ready to be used for landscape areas. A practice which needs to be avoided is the planting of trees in mineral soils which are severely deficient in organic nutrients and essential elements for the tree. Topsoil storage is a practice not utilized enough and needs to be increased for maintaining new landscaping on the site.<br />
<br />
A critical feature to maintaining these soil resource areas is in protecting them with the required tree protection fencing and other materials as specified in <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/dallastrees/dallas-tree-ordinance/10-136-conservation-and-maintenance-amendments" target="_blank">Section 51A-10.136</a>. The ordinance has been amended to increase the standards for more rigid and structured chain link fencing to be applied in certain circumstances around trees. Fence where it is needed around existing trees to the drip line or critical root zone, whichever is farthest from the tree stem, and apply other best management practices for soil management on the construction site.<br />
<br />
There are multiple resources to assist with this practice. I encourage you to look to how you can best use this tool to help guide the construction practices to help protect the existing trees on the work site while also creating the best conditions for the future trees to be planted.<br />
<br />
The following links are extremely helpful in understanding the soil dynamics on a work site.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_053275.pdf" target="_blank"><b>Protecting Urban Soil Quality</b></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/documents/SoilProfileRebuildingDayuf.pdf" target="_blank">Soil Profile Rebuilding</a> - Virginia Tech<br />
<a href="http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1455/ANR-1455.pdf" target="_blank">A Guide To Preventing Soil Compaction During Construction</a> - Alabama Extension<br />
<a href="https://www.warnell.uga.edu/sites/default/files/publications/WSFNR-16-38%20Coder.pdf" target="_blank">Soil Compaction Stress and Trees</a> - Dr. Kim Coder<br />
<a href="https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm" target="_blank">USDA Web Soil Survey</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://wwv.isa-arbor.com/store/category/117/" target="_blank">ISA Standards and Best Management Practices</a> - ISA store<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnx3dQ6OlCfL68ZzEuPimVS7v-kvQs252T3Mn0SvfuFMpgbzO58vaBI4bxq2EOGVvx85VFQDcsS-KoG9iSIfpHkHIQkLuXzJV13-EUrOuYUeuC98FtwN5QUntx3UQgwVLqpxwLM1f64g/s1600/trees_turf_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="500" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnx3dQ6OlCfL68ZzEuPimVS7v-kvQs252T3Mn0SvfuFMpgbzO58vaBI4bxq2EOGVvx85VFQDcsS-KoG9iSIfpHkHIQkLuXzJV13-EUrOuYUeuC98FtwN5QUntx3UQgwVLqpxwLM1f64g/s320/trees_turf_1.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>(3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Additional minimum soil quality requirements</b>. Soils used in landscape areas for tree planting must be shown on a landscape plan or a tree protection plan in protected zones where existing soil and vegetation is not disturbed or in zones modified to correct limiting factors for tree establishment and longevity. </i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Phil Erwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08404435459283040090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301985686144362719.post-29006951363766682312018-07-18T19:06:00.000-05:002018-07-18T19:06:41.027-05:00The Purpose Statement<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeAXlls_nWh9T-Fgf-UM_Vv1clKSafeYHIgdqDKrqtiXdWxDPmuJi-eP0fzZ5UhLjMJV3usfq2OB2nF3hbugE0d8IB5u3jxZc8dGQnER6oJm4FEAzJ4lWr9DpJFYvir_oFU5IbdJFwZQ/s1600/Sustainability.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="766" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeAXlls_nWh9T-Fgf-UM_Vv1clKSafeYHIgdqDKrqtiXdWxDPmuJi-eP0fzZ5UhLjMJV3usfq2OB2nF3hbugE0d8IB5u3jxZc8dGQnER6oJm4FEAzJ4lWr9DpJFYvir_oFU5IbdJFwZQ/s640/Sustainability.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three divisions of the ordinance are balanced to help build a sustainable Dallas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When it comes to the purpose of a landscape and urban forest ordinance, I believe it's about holding together the integrity of a community. The considerations we must make as citizens in this community are what we hold important in the community. As individuals, we define our homes differently, as self-interests or as a whole neighborhood. We include only the people close to us, or people we don't even know, or perhaps we may even include the animals and the wild things living and growing around us. For me, the latter - the whole - is our community. Our neighborhoods are small incremental forest areas which affect the lifestyles and health of our individual homes and shared homes. For me, we must include our trees and properties in our concept of community. A home is what we value. We value our trees. Our ordinance helps us remember that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When people come into our homes, or our neighborhoods, it is dependent on each person to make choices about how that property will conform to or change the world around us. Your decisions involve everyone, and sometimes in ways you may not comprehend. For many, it may not matter. Investors in property, or builders, developers, or families seeking a new place to call home, must decide how they will live with the trees on their property - or not. Unfortunately, we often neglect to consider how our decisions will impact the welfare of our neighbors. Sometimes, it's just time to make changes and develop our dreams in a special place. Our values define our neighborhoods. We are either living in mere investments, or we are living in a home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The amended Article X ordinance is about you and how you value your community. It's your urban forest. It's your ordinance. The ordinance is one of decision-making. It encourages integrity in thinking and design and discourages waste. It is a template for sustainable growth and provides tools which would allow the city to help property owners build for ethical growth above all else. The ordinance is filled with incentives to do the best for the community while also helping manage the pocketbook of the individual. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An ordinance cannot do it all, nor should we think it could or should. We have to be vigilant and dedicated to integrity and growth which benefits us all. A lot of people have to live in this large city for a long, long time with new families to come. The future homes and health of these children and grandchildren will be determined by the decisions we make today. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The purpose statement of Article X was changed just slightly from its original construct. As simple and short as it is (relatively), it speaks much in a few words. But we directed the language to what we can realistically and dutifully hold ourselves to complete: conservation. We can preserve what we can, but this is within the broader scope of conserving our lands for the long duration, to be replenished and developed logically and sustainably. Urban growth makes great demands on all of us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please read each word carefully. This is a very important part of the ordinance. After all, it is its heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SEC. 51A-10.102. PURPOSE.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The process of urban growth and development with its alteration of the natural topography, vegetation, and creation of impervious cover can have a negative effect on the ecological balance of an area by causing increases in air temperatures and accelerating the processes of runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. The economic base of the city can and should be protected through the conservation and enhancement of the unique natural beauty, environment, and vegetative space in this area. Recognizing that the general objectives of this article are to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the city council further declares that this article is adopted for the following specific purposes:<o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(1) To aid in stabilizing the environment's ecological balance by contributing to the processes of air purification, oxygen regeneration, ground-water recharge, and storm water runoff retardation <u>and filtration</u>, while at the same time aiding in noise, glare, wind, and heat abatement.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p> </o:p>(2) To provide visual buffering between land uses of differing character to alleviate the harshness of urban life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p> </o:p>(3) To enhance the beautification of the city.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(4) To safeguard and enhance property values and to protect public and private investment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p> </o:p>(5) To conserve energy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p> </o:p>(6) To provide habitat for wildlife.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p> </o:p>(7) To encourage the preservation of large trees which, once removed, can be replaced only after generations.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We added the following very important specific purposes of this ordinance: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <u>(8)</u> <u>To conserve water.</u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <u>(9)</u> <u>To recognize and conserve the urban forest as part of the city's green infrastructure.</u></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u>Green Infrastructure means "the ecological framework of trees and vegetation used in conjunction with engineered systems for the effective and resilient processes of stormwater management, climate adaptation, urban heat abatement, biodiversity, improved air quality, clean water, and healthy soils, for <u>sustainable social, health, and economic benefits of the urban community</u>."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Constantly working beside, and essentially despite, the people who thrive within the community, the green infrastructure is the life support which binds the community. It is the health of our community. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trees are the answer.</span></div>
</div>
<h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h1>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></h2>
Phil Erwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08404435459283040090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6301985686144362719.post-40767033946087753982018-06-27T20:23:00.002-05:002018-06-27T20:28:23.448-05:00Article X: Landscaping and Urban Forest Conservation is passed 14-0!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQiWvcq8Z0Ak0Ce0DEPwgN-c0qx7xcA5iI3lyn12QwV2LyQLhynLGf9utXoWN3hGeTVmdXdbPaZ0WptyukvdzV5WwXRAmE-We3zJJGppJ76ZPueZ_mOGfpLzSr_bv0g8pr8kXrwtkWEU/s1600/2012-06-28+16.59.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQiWvcq8Z0Ak0Ce0DEPwgN-c0qx7xcA5iI3lyn12QwV2LyQLhynLGf9utXoWN3hGeTVmdXdbPaZ0WptyukvdzV5WwXRAmE-We3zJJGppJ76ZPueZ_mOGfpLzSr_bv0g8pr8kXrwtkWEU/s400/2012-06-28+16.59.36.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a rewarding afternoon at City Hall as the Council voted to pass both the Article X landscape and urban forest conservation ordinance as well as the parkland dedication ordinance. Both votes were unanimous. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So now, we go forward and the Article X ordinance will be enacted <b style="font-style: italic;">beginning Monday, July 2, 2018. </b>I need to get you ready.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will now begin in this blog, over the course of the following weeks, to explain many of the aspects of the ordinance that have changed as well as those matters which have been retained. The structure of Article X remains true to what has been in existence since 1994. But much of the content is now updated for efficiency, flexibility, and improved tree performance. There is a lot to cover so I will try to provide and format it for ease of reference and location.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First, we are updating the <b>Building Inspection Division</b> website for notices and to update the <b>Irrigation/Landscape</b> page. We will introduce certain materials like the <b>Approved Tree List</b> which has been significantly updated and, more importantly, is subject to future staff review and amendment. We will set procedures on how any trees are added or removed from the list. Expect to see a simple list of the large, medium, and small tree categories by Monday.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Arborist web page will also be in a process of adjustment with new FAQ's and other information related to the ordinance. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <b>Landscape and Tree Manual</b> page and attachments will be linked through both the BI Landscaping page and the Dallas Arborist page. Keep coming back to these sites for more updates as they become available.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also, don't forget my personal <b><a href="http://dallastrees.net/">DallasTrees.net</a></b> webpage for its list of resources and information.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Executive Summary<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Article X, the landscape and tree ordinance for the City of Dallas, was established in 1994 by amending the existing landscape ordinance of 1986, and by advancing a 1990 Council resolution for the preservation of large trees, into a new tree preservation, removal, and replacement ordinance. The purpose established in this ordinance was affirmed and advanced through the environmental policies and vision represented in the ForwardDallas Environment Element. It is here the essential primary functions of trees in the urban forest, as the protector of our air, water, soil, wildlife habitat, and livable neighborhoods, were reinforced with the direction to develop regulatory tools to preserve the tree canopy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The current comprehensive ordinance is comprised of three distinct divisions which contain some regulations that are, at times, perceived as conflictive to developers, or impracticable for consistent application and enforcement. After some amendments were made in 2003, representatives of City Council, city staff, the development community, and tree advocates, repeatedly discussed potential amendments to the ordinance to remedy certain regulations. Viable solutions were sought for various regulations which are typically resolved through the Board of Adjustment; from physical landscape conflicts with trees and utilities, to the limited time required to complete tree mitigation on projects, or even the inability to comply with a single design standard. Since February of 2015, the members of the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee, the city staff, and independent supporters comprised of professional designers, citizens, development industry representatives, and urban forest advocacy groups, have worked together to help find these suitable solutions, by reviewing numerous municipal standards and other various concepts from across the country, to form reasonable regulations to function within the integration of the three amended ordinance divisions: General, Landscape, and Urban Forest Conservation. These amendments were introduced to provide: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">a supplemental landscape and tree guide to convey urban forest education for developer and homeowner tree management, and to clarify and improve the efficacy of the zoning regulation and its enforcement;</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">updated tree establishment and preservation regulations to ensure the use of current professional and scientific standards and best practices for healthy tree growth and maintenance to pursue the established goal of tree longevity;</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">greater landscape adaptability, with more </span>practicable<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and flexible landscape mandatory requirements and landscape design options which are balanced to the size and scale of the development;</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">additional and reasonable means of tree replacement, including methods to significantly credit the owner to physically offset their mitigation obligation on their property into a positive return for sustainable development and urban forest conservation which serves both the property and the community.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The proposed Article X landscape and urban forest conservation ordinance attempts to introduce improved regulations to provide balance with amended and clarified regulations. The comprehensive ordinance is intended to promote a more adaptive and practicable ordinance for the community, developers, and administrative officials, by providing clear, uniform, and logical standards applied to:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Determine standard tree planting distances and space requirements </span>to<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> minimize utility conflicts.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Apply realistic and sustainable tree soil area and soil volume requirements to minimum reasonable standards for establishing large trees toward maturity where applicable. Apply the right tree, in the right place, and in the right environment.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Enhance parking lot requirements, by lot size, with options for expanding tree canopy coverage.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Amend mandatory requirements, and increase the number of available design standard options, to allow greater flexibility of application in site design, and to be scaled to the size and use of the property.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Introduce a landscape and tree manual, with an approved tree list, which is amendable and will provide education and guidance in best practices for planning, establishing, and </span>maintaining<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> trees for both homeowners and developers, and to help sustain the community urban forest.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Provide options for the replacement of trees, increased to provide more opportunities for developers to place tree mitigation as investments into their developments by using the tree canopy coverage as a goal, and that encourages development away from more sensitive and wooded land areas. </span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Establish ‘legacy’ landscape trees to be planted within enhanced soil environments which provide credits toward mitigating for </span>large scale<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> tree removal, wherein the owner and the city attest by action, to the risk, landscape area, and maintenance demands, on the owner of the legacy tree.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Maintain the relief for homeowners who manage their established trees in their communities at a cost, and with the privilege, while providing limited incentives and mitigation relief for home builders who administer their building sites under permits and improved tree protection efforts.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The many combined elements in this one comprehensive ordinance will provide for fewer development obstacles, more adaptability, and policies grounded in a more firm foundation in arboricultural and forestry sciences, while showing a possible path in which to take strides toward the sustainable progress of establishing the urban forest canopy goals for the City of Dallas for the generations to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
Phil Erwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08404435459283040090noreply@blogger.com5