AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) filed a lawsuit challenging the City of Austin’s enforcement of its Tree Ordinance.
Plaintiff Michael Petrick is facing punishment for trimming tree branches in his own yard. The City Arborist assessed a nearly $9,000 fee despite the fact those trees are largely intact and still alive.
TPPF argues that the City’s actions constitute an uncompensated taking of private property and impose unconstitutional permit conditions without any nexus to actual public harm.
“This is exactly the sort of thing that makes housing too expensive in Austin,” said TPPF Director of Litigation Chance Weldon. “It shouldn’t cost you thousands of dollars every time you engage in harmless yard maintenance.”
“In Texas, the maximum fine for first-degree murder is $10,000. Austin is trying to charge our client nearly that much for trimming his own trees.” added TPPF Attorney Laura Beth Latimer, “No wonder Austin’s cost of living is out of control.”
Read more about Michael Petrick v. City of Austin.
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