Neighborhood Forest Overlay

Neighborhood Overlay Ordinance 

The Neighborhood Forest Overlay (NFO) was approved by the Dallas City Council on April 10, 2019. In the process of creating the Article X urban forest conservation amendments, the neighborhood forest overlay concept was proposed after the discussion on single-family and duplex use exceptions were going to be maintained as law. During the ordinance approval in June 2018, the Council directed that the proposal for a voluntary neighborhood forest overlay be drafted for the benefit of the protection of the community’s forest canopy. This ordinance is the product of city staff working with the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee and the City Plan Commission and the many community advocates and professionals who provided support

Article X: Landscape and Tree Preservation Regulations

Purpose: The process of urban growth and development with its alteration of the natural topography, vegetation, and creation of impervious cover can have a negative effect on the ecological balance of an area by causing increases in air temperatures and accelerating the processes of runoff, erosion, and sedimentation. The economic base of the city can and should be protected through the conservation [preservation] and enhancement of the unique natural beauty, environment, and vegetative space in this area. Recognizing that the general objectives of this article are to promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the city council further declares that this article is adopted for the following specific purposes:

    1. To aid in stabilizing the environment’s ecological balance by contributing
    2. To the processes of air purification, oxygen regeneration, ground-water recharge, and storm water
      runoff retardation and filtration, while at the same time aiding in noise, glare, wind, and heat
      abatement.
    3. To provide visual buffering between land uses of differing character to
      alleviate the harshness of urban life.
    4. To enhance the beautification of the city.
    5. To safeguard and enhance property values and to protect public and
      private investment.
    6. To conserve energy.
      To provide habitat for wildlife.
    7. To encourage the preservation of large trees which, once removed, can be
      replaced only after generations.
    8. To conserve water.
    9. To recognize and conserve the urban forest as part of the city’s green
      infrastructure.

Protected Trees

Tree & shrub examples that will comply with Article X

Approved Trees

Approved on 10-27-2022 which lists trees by Mitigation Class, Crown Width and Size.