The Branson Board of Aldermen discovered that not all golf courses in Branson are exempt from Branson’s tree removal regulations, just the Pointe Royale Course. The question came up at the boards August 5 work session when Alderman Stephen Marshall, who is a resident of Pointe Royale, mentioned he had learned that large trees were being removed from the Point Royale Golf Course as part of its renovation.
Marshall expressed his understanding that golf courses were exempt from the city’s tree removal ordinances and asked Branson’s Director of Planning and Development, Don Stephens, if that was correct. Stephens replied, “There’s a Pointe Royale exemption.” Marshall followed up by asking, “Just for that golf course?” Stephens replied, “Yes.”
Marshall pointed out that they have taken down a lot of trees. Alderwoman Sandra Williams asked for verification tthere was an exemption in Ponte Royale that let them cut down trees down without complying with applicable city requirements. Stephens verified the exemption stating it required coordination with his office.
Williams asked, “Why did we make that agreement?” Stephens replied it was an amendment to the existing Planned Development ordinance for Pointe Royale that was done two or three years ago. The records of the city of Branson indicate that Ordinance No. 2007-020, “an ordinance approving a Planned Development amendment to the Pointe Royale Land Use Regulations PD-2000-002 pertaining to golf course tree clearing regulations for properties located at 142 Clubhouse Dr. Branson, Missouri” was passed on a first reading February 26, 2007 by a 5-0 vote with one alderman absent. The ordinance received its second and final approval as part of the Consent Agenda on March 12 by a 5-0 vote with one alderman absent.
At the time the ordinance was approved, two board members were residents of Pointe Royale. Information, believed reliable, indicates neither recused themselves from voting on the issue. One voted on the February 26 vote giving initial approval to the ordinance, with the other being absent, and the other voted on the March 12 vote, giving final approval to the ordinance, with the other being absent.
Section 1.165 of Ordinance 2007-20 entitled “Golf Course Tree Clearing Regulations” states, “Due to the unique nature of tree location on golf courses, tree removal on the Pointe Royale Golf Course shall not be required to follow the tree removal procedures under Section 66-219 of the Branson Municipal Code.” It goes on to state that instead, they must submit a tree removal application prior to removal and a site plan showing both existing trees and trees designated for removal.
On August 7, the city of Branson’s Forester, Tara Norback, verified that the Pointe Royale Golf Course was in compliance with all the provisions of the ordinance. She also verified the Pointe Royale Golf Course was the only golf course in Branson having such an exemption.
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