The recent tree clearing of a lot on West Davis prompted the city of Conroe to amend its tree ordinance and prohibit residential property from being used for commercial use for five years if all trees are cleared.
On Thursday, the council unanimously approved adding a five-year moratorium to a property for commercial use after all the trees are removed from a lot. The moratorium does not apply to lots where the trees are not removed.
The amendment comes as the council continues to tweak its tree ordinance, a hot-button issue for years.
In August 2022, the council tightened restrictions on developers who want to build in the city, after residents complained in several council meetings about the clear-cutting of trees. Residents urged the council to protect trees from rapid development around the city.
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The council has debated the issue for months. The city’s original 2013 ordinance was changed in December 2018 to ease tree management restrictions for developers.
During the council’s workshop Wednesday, City Attorney Mike Garner said several council members asked him to create an amendment after city staff found the residential property at 3600 West Davis listed for commercial use after it sold Sept. 11.
Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux said he and Councilwoman Marsha Porter asked to have the item on the agenda.
“This property was a residential lot of over an acre and they cleared it completely and it was put up on LoopNet for office (use),” Maddux said.
LoopNet is a website that lists commercial real estate for sale or lease.
Councilman Harry Hardman called the issue with the West Davis property “unfortunate” but said the ordinance will allow the city to prevent similar situations in the future.
“I’m a big private use property guy,” Hardman said. “We don’t want to overstep, but I want to be able to intervene when we can.”
