When Is Action Needed?

Step-by-Step: Mitigation Process

1. Apply for a Mitigation Permit via MyGov (free for residential properties). If you do not already have a Collaborator account for MyGov, you will need to create one. For more information about MyGov or help creating a Collaborator account, contact Development Services at 512-332-8840 or visit the MyGov Information page HERE.
   
   
2. Inspection by City Arborist or Certified 3rd-Party Arborist.
   
   
3. Decision:

• Health/Safety Removal: No fee or replacement.
  
  
• Other Removals:
  
  
  • Residential (1- or 2-family dwelling, owner's residence):
    
    
    • Replant one 2-inch caliper tree per tree removed from the Plant List.
    • No mitigation fee is charged.
    • Relief if no space (City Manager approval).
      
      
  • Non-Residential Properties:
    
    
    • Pay $400 per caliper inch fee OR
    • Replant equal caliper inches onsite.

Fees and Penalties

• Residential: No fee; replanting required (if applicable).
  
  
• Non-Residential: $400 per caliper inch fee (if applicable).
  
  
• Unauthorized Removal: Double mitigation fee + required replacement.
  
  
• Fines: $500–$2,000 per tree per offense; misdemeanor charge.

Relief and Appeals

• Request relief to City Manager.
  
  
• Appeal denials to the Tree Advisory Board (final decision).

It depends. If the tree is on the Plant List and is ≥10” caliper measured at ≥4.5' from ground, you must apply for a permit. If it’s not on the list or it’s <10” caliper measured at ≥4.5' from ground, no permit is required.

How do I know if my tree is on the Plant List?

The Plant List includes native trees that the City of Bastrop protects. You can view the list HERE or contact Development Services at (512) 332-8840 for assistance.

How much does it cost to remove a protected tree?

If the tree is ≥10” caliper measured at ≥4.5' from ground AND on the Plant List, a mitigation fee of $400 per caliper inch is assessed unless an exemption applies (see below).

Are there exemptions from the mitigation fee?

Yes. No fee is required if:

• The tree must be removed for health or safety reasons (determined by the City Arborist).
  
  
• The property is a one-family or two-family home that is your primary residence and the tree is less than 10 inches in diameter.

What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?

You may be fined $500 to $2,000 per tree, charged a double mitigation fee, and required to replant or mitigate properly. Unauthorized removals are classified as a misdemeanor offense.

If I remove a tree, do I have to plant a new one?

Yes, if the tree was protected and not exempt. For each removed tree, you must replant a tree from the Plant List with a minimum 2-inch caliper. Relief from replanting may be granted if there’s no suitable planting space.

How do I apply for a tree removal permit?

Applications are submitted through the MyGov online portal (no fee for residential properties). For more information about MyGov or help creating a Collaborator account, contact Development Services at 512-332-8840 or visit the MyGov Information page HERE.

What if I disagree with a decision about my tree removal request?

You can appeal to the City Manager. If denied, you can further appeal to the Tree Advisory Board, whose decision is final.

Can I remove invasive or unhealthy trees without a permit?

Yes. If the tree is identified as invasive, dead, or poses a safety hazard, you can remove it without a mitigation fee, but it’s best to document the situation or consult the City Arborist first.

What is a caliper inch and how is it measured?

A caliper inch is the diameter of the tree trunk, measured 4.5 feet above the ground.

Here's a simple way to measure tree caliper using just a tape measure:

What You Need:

A soft measuring tape (like a fabric or tailor's tape)

A calculator (or your phone)

Steps:

Measure the tree's circumference.

Wrap the tape around the tree at 4.5 feet above the ground.

Record the number in inches.

Convert to diameter

Use this formula:

Caliper (in inches) = Circumference divided by 3.14

Example:

If the circumference is 31.4 inches, then:

31.4 divided by 3.14 = 10 inches caliper

Tip:

If the tree forks or flares below 4.5 feet, measure just below the split where the trunk is still whole.

Need help? Contact our arborist team at (512) 332-8840.

ORDINANCE NO. 2025-28

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BASTROP, TEXAS, BASTROP CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS, BY ENACTING ARTICLE 1.13.05 TITLED “TREES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY”, SECTIONS 1.13.05.01 – 1.13.05.05; AS ATTACHED IN EXHIBIT A; AND BY AMENDING CHAPTER 14, BASTROP BUILDING BLOCK (B3) CODE, SECTION 6.3.004 "PROTECTED & HERITAGE TREES” ADDING SUBSECTION (J) ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION; AS ATTACHED IN EXHIBIT B; AND PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT, REPEALER, SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, EFFECTIVE DATE, PROPER NOTICE, AND MEETING.

WHEREAS,  the City of Bastrop, Texas (the “City”) is a home rule municipality located in Bastrop County, Texas acting under its Charter adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 9 of the Texas Local Government Code; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 51.001, the City Council of the City of Bastrop has general authority to amend an ordinance that is for the good government, peace, or order of the City and is necessary or proper for carrying out a power granted by law to the City; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Chapters 211, 212, 214,  217, and general regulatory authority, the City Council of the City of Bastrop has general authority to regulate planning, zoning, subdivisions, health and safety, trees and the construction of buildings; and

WHEREAS,  trees provide essential ecological, environmental, and health benefits that are integral to the well-being of residents in urban areas; and

WHEREAS,  trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also filtering pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxide, contributing to better respiratory health and reducing the incidence of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases; and

WHEREAS,  the removal of trees, particularly mature trees, can exacerbate urban heat island effects, leading to higher temperatures, which increases the prevalence of heat-related illnesses, such as heat strokes and heat exhaustion, especially among vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses; and

WHEREAS,  trees play a vital role in mitigating stormwater runoff by absorbing and filtering rainwater, which helps prevent flooding and reduces the strain on stormwater management systems, thereby minimizing the public health risks associated with waterborne diseases and contamination from flooding; and

WHEREAS,  these amendments are to add clarity and amend the Tree Mitigation Fees within the City Limits and establish a penalty for violation of the Tree Mitigation requirements; and

WHEREAS,  the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on February 17, 2025, and February 24, 2025, and recommended approval of the Tree Mitigation fees and penalty on February 24, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that certain amendments to the aforementioned ordinances are necessary and reasonable to meet changing conditions and are in the best interest of the City.

WHEREAS,  notice of the public hearing to consider the amendments to the Code of Ordinances was published on January 29, 2025, and the City held a public hearing and conducted the first reading for the City Council on March 11, 2025; and

WHEREAS,  the City finds and declares that the regulation of tree removal is not only an environmental concern but also a matter of public health, and that measures to protect and maintain urban trees are vital to the health and well-being of the city's residents.

WHEREAS,  the City finds that this Ordinance was passed and approved at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Bastrop held in strict compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act at which a quorum of the City Council Members was present and voting.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BASTROP, TEXAS, THAT:

Section 1. Findings of Fact. The facts and recitations set forth in the preamble of this Ordinance are hereby found to be true and correct.

Section 2. Amendment To The Bastrop Code of Ordinances, Chapter 1 and Chapter 14, Bastrop Building Block (B3) Code, Section 6. Chapter 1 – General Provisions is hereby amended and shall read in accordance with Exhibit “A,” and Chapter 14, Bastrop Building Block (B3) Code, Section 6 is hereby amended and shall read in accordance with Exhibit B which is attached hereto and incorporated into this Ordinance for all intents and purposes.

Section 3.  Severability. If any clause or provision of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be unenforceable for any reason, such unenforceable clause or provision shall be severed from the remaining portion of the Ordinance, which shall continue to have full force and effect.

Section 4.  Codification. The City Secretary is hereby directed to record and publish the attached rules, regulations, and policies in the City's Code of Ordinances as authorized by Section 52.001 of the Texas Local Government Code.

Section 5. Repeal. This Ordinance shall be and is hereby cumulative of all other ordinances of the City of Bastrop, Texas, and this Ordinance shall not operate to repeal or affect any of such other ordinances except insofar as the provisions thereof might be inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance, in which event such conflicting provisions, if any, in such other Ordinances, are hereby repealed.

Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect after its final passage and any publication in accordance with the requirements of the City of Bastrop and the laws of the State of Texas.

Section 7. Proper Notice and Meeting. It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at which this Ordinance was passed was open to the public, and that public notice of the time, place, and purpose of said meeting was given as required by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Notice was also provided as required by Chapter 52 of the Texas Local Government Code.

READ & ACKNOWLEDGED on First Reading on this the 11^th day of March 2025.

READ & ADOPTED on Second Reading on this the 8^th day of April 2025.