LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION March 26, 2013 TO: Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB1377 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the ownership and local regulation of trees and timber.), As Introduced No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would add Chapter 154 to the Natural Resources Code to provide requirements for ownership and regulation of trees and timber, and would include definitions for what classifies as a mature tree; a mitigation fee; the removal of a tree; and a replacement tree. Local Government Impact There would be costs to a local governmental entity that removes a mature tree from a landowners property. In addition, a local governmental entity may assess a tree mitigation fee against a landowner for the costs of the tree removal which may offset some of the costs. However, the fiscal impact to a locality would vary depending on the size and number of tree removals; the tree mitigation fee; and current processes for tree removal. Tree mitigation fees vary by municipality and range from an estimated $100 to $200 per caliper inch in tree diameter for a significant tree; and from $300 to $600 per inch for a heritage tree. As an example, an oak tree with a 24-inch diameter would cost $14,400, and a 30-inch-diameter tree would cost $18,000 to remove. Source Agencies: LBB Staff: UP, KKR, TP LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD Austin, Texas FISCAL NOTE, 83RD LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION March 26, 2013 TO: Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE:HB1377 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the ownership and local regulation of trees and timber.), As Introduced TO: Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs FROM: Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board IN RE: HB1377 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the ownership and local regulation of trees and timber.), As Introduced Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Urban Affairs Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board Ursula Parks, Director, Legislative Budget Board HB1377 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the ownership and local regulation of trees and timber.), As Introduced HB1377 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the ownership and local regulation of trees and timber.), As Introduced No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. No fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The bill would add Chapter 154 to the Natural Resources Code to provide requirements for ownership and regulation of trees and timber, and would include definitions for what classifies as a mature tree; a mitigation fee; the removal of a tree; and a replacement tree. Local Government Impact There would be costs to a local governmental entity that removes a mature tree from a landowners property. In addition, a local governmental entity may assess a tree mitigation fee against a landowner for the costs of the tree removal which may offset some of the costs. However, the fiscal impact to a locality would vary depending on the size and number of tree removals; the tree mitigation fee; and current processes for tree removal. Tree mitigation fees vary by municipality and range from an estimated $100 to $200 per caliper inch in tree diameter for a significant tree; and from $300 to $600 per inch for a heritage tree. As an example, an oak tree with a 24-inch diameter would cost $14,400, and a 30-inch-diameter tree would cost $18,000 to remove. Source Agencies: LBB Staff: UP, KKR, TP UP, KKR, TP