Board Matter

Strengthening Tree Preservation Policies and Procedures:
Enhanced identification of tree save areas

Monday, February 28, 2005

Background:

The Board of Supervisors has strongly supported the implementation of existing tree preservation ordinances and has consistently worked to strengthen state tree preservation legislation. In keeping with the Board's strong support of tree preservation, I have recently identified an opportunity for the County to strengthen its tree preservation policies and procedures. During my first year as Providence District Supervisor I have seen the development of several by right and rezoned properties. During the land development process developers often are too optimistic when identifying tree save areas and/or too conservative when identifying the amount of root system area that is actually needed to preserved mature trees. The county can and must do a better job to ensure that proffered tree preservation areas are viable, and that developer pledges to preserve trees are realistic.

Motion:

To that end I move that the Board direct the County Urban Forester and the Department of Planning and Zoning to work with a sub-group of the Tree Commission to review and strengthen the policies and procedures of the identification of tree save areas and the marking of the limits of clearing and grading.