Austin City Code § 30-5-601 APPLICABILITY.
§ 30-5-601 - APPLICABILITY.
This subchapter applies in the city's zoning jurisdiction.
Source: City Code Section 25-8-601; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 031211-42.
GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Austin City Code tit. 30, ch. 30-5, subch. B, art. 1
in effectAustin City Code § 30-5-602 DEFINITIONS.
§ 30-5-602 - DEFINITIONS.
In this subchapter:
(1) OWNER includes a lessee.
(2) PROTECTED TREE means a tree with a circumference of 60 inches or more, measured four and one-half feet above natural grade.
(3) REMOVAL means an act that causes or may be reasonably expected to cause a tree to die, including:
(a) uprooting;
(b) severing the main trunk;
(c) damaging the root system; and
(d) excessive pruning.
Source: City Code Section 25-8-602; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 031211-42.
Austin City Code § 30-5-603 ADMINISTRATION.
§ 30-5-603 - ADMINISTRATION.
(A) A city arborist, appointed by the director, shall implement this subchapter.
(B) The director shall adopt administrative rules in accordance with Section 30-1-61 (Administrative Rules) to:
(1) protect trees against damage during development;
(2) identify actions that will constitute removal; and
(3) identify the root areas that require protection against soil compaction or the effects of impervious paving.
Source: City Code Section 25-8-603; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 031211-42.
Austin City Code § 30-5-604 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
§ 30-5-604 - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.
For an application for preliminary plan or final plat approval that proposes the removal of a protected tree, the city arborist must review the application and make a recommendation before the application may be administratively approved.
Source: City Code Section 25-8-604; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 031211-42; Ord. No. 20230831-142, Pt. 45, 9-1-23.
Austin City Code § 30-5-605 WAIVER AND MODIFICATION OF CITY AND COUNTY REQUIREMENTS.
§ 30-5-605 - WAIVER AND MODIFICATION OF CITY AND COUNTY REQUIREMENTS.
(A) If enforcement of a city or county department policy, rule, or design standard will result in removal of a protected tree, the director may request that the responsible city or county department waive or modify the policy, rule, or design standard to the extent necessary to save the tree.
(B) The responsible city or county department may waive or modify the policy, rule, or design standard after determining that a waiver or modification will not result in a serious or imminent adverse effect.
(C) The managing officials shall resolve differences of opinion between the director and another city or county department under this section.
Source: City Code Section 25-8-605; Ord. 031211-11; Ord. 031211-42.
Source: City of Austin, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/austin/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT30AUTRCOSURE_CH30-5EN_SUBCHAPTER_BTRNAARPR_ART1GEPRFetched: 10/27/2026