The Texas Department of Insurance is undergoing Sunset Review in 2008. This Q&A is based on the Center for Economic Freedom’s response to a series of questions on TDI from the Texas Sunset Commission.
Property Rights
Housing Is Too Expensive. Blame Your Local Tree Ordinance.
Matthew Bernard wanted to build a home. He bought a small lot in Oakland, California, and began clearing several diseased and fallen trees that the local fire department had identified as hazards. The result was a $915,000 “mitigation fee” from the city of Oakland—nearly five times the value of the lot itself. Under Oakland’s tree ordinance,...
August 27, 2026