KATY, Texas — The City of Katy is considering a comprehensive new ordinance that would reshape landscaping and tree preservation requirements across residential, commercial, and industrial developments.
According to the draft proposal, city leaders say the goal is to “facilitate a positive image of the City, promote quality development, encourage the use of indigenous and drought-resistant plants to conserve water, [and] protect existing landscaping.”
Key provisions in the proposed ordinance
- Permits required: Developers and property owners would need to secure permits for clearing and grading before work begins. A Tree Protection Plan and Landscape Plan would also be required for new projects.
- Minimum landscaping: Depending on the property type, a percentage of the lot would have to be landscaped — 20% for multifamily, 15% for retail, office, and mixed use, and 10% for industrial developments.
- Parking lot standards: Large parking lots would require trees and landscaped islands to reduce heat and improve aesthetics. No parking space could be farther than 100 feet from a tree.
- Residential rules: Every home would be required to have at least one tree and three shrubs in the front yard. Xeriscaping and artificial turf could be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
- Tree planting standards: All new trees would need to meet minimum size requirements, ensuring they provide shade and grow successfully.
- Tree preservation: Katy, a designated Tree City USA, would formally protect large-caliper trees, historic “Legacy Trees” recognized by Keep Katy Beautiful, and existing tree stands when possible. Removal of protected trees would trigger replacement requirements.
Tree replacement and fees
The ordinance sets strict replacement standards for removed trees. For example, removing a tree between 24–36 inches in diameter would require planting 250% replacement or paying a $5,000 fee per tree into a city-managed Tree Fund.
The Tree Fund could then be used for planting, maintaining, and removing landscaping on public property and rights-of-way. Payments would be capped at $300,000 per development.
Enforcement and penalties
Property owners would be responsible for maintaining landscaping in a “healthy, neat and orderly appearance.” Dead or hazardous plants would need to be replaced within 30 days…