Title
Ordinance first reading with the caption reading: An ordinance amending and updating the City of Pflugerville Code of Ordinances, Title IX, General Regulations, Chapter 95, Parks and Recreation, Article IV, Public Tree Protection; clarifying existing language; adding a section for prohibited activities; updating responsibilities of the Tree Care Advisory Board; expanding use of the tree mitigation fund; providing cumulative, repealer and severability clauses; providing for open meeting and establishing an effective date.
Summary
This item considers amendments to Chapter 95, Article IV of the Code of Ordinances related to Public Tree Protection. The ordinance was reviewed and recommended for approval unanimously by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
As a matter of best practice, ordinances of this nature should be reviewed and updated approximately every five years to ensure alignment with current standards, operational needs, and community expectations. The last time substantial updates to these ordinances were in 2008 and 2012.
The proposed amendments modernize the City’s public tree regulations to reflect current best practices in urban forestry, clarify authority and enforcement mechanisms, and ensure alignment with the Unified Development Code (UDC). While much of the update refines and clarifies existing language, the ordinance also introduces structural improvements intended to strengthen long-term stewardship of the City’s urban forest.
Key updates include:
• Clarifying purpose, definitions, and authority, including updated terminology related to certified arborists, the Urban Forester, renaturalization, and the Urban Forest.
• Adding a clearly defined prohibition section, strengthening the City’s ability to prevent unauthorized removal, damage, topping, or attachment of materials to public trees.
• Reinforcing professional standards, requiring adherence to best standard practices when performing public tree work.
• Updating and clarifying responsibilities of the Tree Care Advisory Board, streamlining duties while maintaining coordination on Arbor Day, Tree City USA designation, and public awareness efforts. When the Tree Care Advisory Board was created, there was not an Urban Forester on staff. Many of these duties are now managed by the Urban Forester.
• Clarifying property owner responsibilities, including required clearance standards over public spaces, sidewalks and roadways.
• Expanding and clarifying allowable uses of the Public Tree Fund, including renaturalization (Rewild Pflugerville program), tree health care, mitigation reinvestment, and broader urban forest initiatives.
• Strengthening enforcement provisions, including alignment with UDC mitigation values and clarification of penalties.
These amendments provide clearer guidance for residents, contractors, and City staff, while strengthening the City’s ability to preserve, protect, and expand its urban forest in a consistent and enforceable manner.
This item supports the Residential & Node Development pillar of the Strategic Plan by protecting neighborhood character and the visual quality of public spaces. It also supports the Community Amenities & Events pillar by preserving and enhancing the City’s urban forest as a foundational component of the community and overall quality of life.
Prior City Council Action
NA
Deadline for City Council Action
Action is requested on first reading on March 24, 2026.
Funding Expected: Revenue __ Expenditure __ N/A X_
Budgeted Item: Yes __ No __ N/A X_
Budget Source: N/A
Amount: N/A
1295 Form Required? Yes __ No _X_
Legal Review Required: N/A __ Required X_ Date Completed: _10/22/2025_
Supporting documents attached:
Enabling Ordinance
Ordinance Updates
Recommended Action
Staff recommends approving the ordinance on first reading.