The City Council reviewed the City’s current tree protection requirements at Monday’s work session and considered additional requirements for protecting existing trees on commercial property, that would emphasize preservation of existing trees without discouraging economic development. 

After researching regulations in 13 comparator cities, staff have developed several proposed protection and mitigation steps that:  

  • define protected and unprotected trees based on species and size;  
  • outline mitigation steps necessary if trees are removed; 
  • define minimum planting requirements in line with the City’s current landscape policy; and 
  • set fees in lieu of mitigation/replacement. 

After receiving City Council feedback, staff will finalize the ordinance for future adoption. The City is striving to be certified as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, and Parks and Recreation is partnering with One Earth One Chance to plant 10 trees on Arbor Day, April 26. 

Monday’s presentation: Click here