Texas Senate Bill SB107

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to a tree planting credit to offset tree mitigation fees imposed by a municipality.

Impact

If enacted, SB107 will significantly modify the way municipalities handle tree mitigation fees by mandating that they offer tree planting credits. This could incentivize property owners to plant trees, thereby promoting urban greenery and sustainability. The legislation aims to establish a clearer standard for tree planting as a compensatory measure for tree removal associated with development, encouraging responsible practices among developers and municipalities alike.

Summary

Senate Bill 107 proposes to introduce a tree planting credit mechanism to offset tree mitigation fees imposed by municipalities during development or construction activities. The bill allows individuals to apply for credits against these fees by planting trees on their property or a mutually agreed location. To qualify for this credit, the trees planted must meet certain size requirements, specifically a diameter of at least two inches at a height of 4.5 feet above the ground.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill could face opposition from local governments concerned about the impact on their regulatory authority. Additionally, municipalities may have varied approaches to tree management and environmental stewardship, and some may argue that the required credit mechanism could complicate their existing fee structures or conflict with local environmental policies. The exemption of areas within five miles of a federal military base may also spur debate about environmental equality and the preservation of local ecosystems beyond those limits.