Conroe City Council divided on tree permits for homeowners

A discussion regarding tree-removal permits for Conroe homeowners heated up during Wednesdays City Council workshop as Councilman Duke Coon and Mayor Pro Tem Guy Martin didnt see eye to eye on the issue.

The permitting was part of an agenda item regarding an amendment to the citys vegetation ordinance for residential development. However, Coon voiced his concern about a section that would prohibit existing homeowners from removing trees from their property without a permit.

We have to be careful as a municipality on how far we reach, said Coon, adding he didnt like that requirement.

According to Mikeska, the $25 permit helps ensure the tree or trees would be removed by a professional in the tree removal industry.

However, Martin said requiring the permit is necessary and those permit requests for existing homeowners are rarely denied.

If they are cutting it down themselves or it is someone not qualified, that is the part I am worried about, Martin said. It doesnt negate the ability to cut trees; they just need to do it right. If we dont impose a permit, people will be out there with a chainsaw and there is going to be problems.

But Coon said the city shouldnt tell people whether they can remove trees on their property.

That bothers me, he said.

Martin maintained it was a safety issue.

If one falls on a house, we need to remember we allowed that to happen because we put no safety restrictions on it whatsoever when someone is taking out a big tree, Martin said. It could come down on a neighbors house, a neighbors fence, we dont know.

Read more:
Conroe City Council divided on tree permits for homeowners