City Council Adopts New Tree Planting Ordinance

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - At today's regularly scheduled meeting, Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo and City Council voted to amend the City's Unified Development Code (UDC) related to Landscaping Standards. The changes, which will focus on planting trees on new single-family and two-family residential lots, are intended to strengthen sustainable landscaping concepts, provide visual relief for residential neighborhoods, improve the quality of life for the community, and promote a better environment.

"Planting trees in Corpus Christi is an enormous benefit to our community. Our community is still rebuilding from a series of natural disasters from Hurricane Harvey to Winter Storm Uri, which had devastating effects on the flora in Corpus Christi," says Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo.

The amended ordinance will establish tree planting guidelines for new residential construction projects and increase green spaces in front yards. The planting of trees not only beautifies our great City but promotes the goals of our comprehensive plan. Such goals include air quality, pedestrian safety, and storm water management.

"After many years of experiencing loss of our mature tree canopies and landscaping, I am proud that the City Council has prioritized trees for Corpus Christi's future. This tree ordinance will allow us to rebuild responsibly and add value to our neighborhoods and families" Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo.

Comments and questions regarding the changes to the ordinance may be directed to Andrew Dimas, Development Services Administrator, by phone, (361) 826-3240, or by e-mail at [email protected].