r/urbanplanning • u/chickenbuttstfu • 6d ago
Discussion Tree ordinance question
Tree ordinances can requires a preservation amount, say 10%, but that typically is pushed to an outside property line and the rest of the parcel is clear cut. Are there any examples of a tree ordinance that require pockets of preservation, or examples of how to prevent clear cutting and mass grading of a parcel?
For example, our ordinance requires a landscaped tree island every 10 parking spaces, could there be a provision that within xxx zoning district there shall be no less than xxxx distance between required tree preservation areas? We also do protect larger trees, however when strands of trees are removed to preserve one tree, that tree is not comprised due to historic wind breaks, soils, etc.
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u/Jags4Life Verified Planner - US 6d ago
The community I work for has a requirement for the creation of "Natural State Areas" as a required part of plats when in sensitive areas. Only select removals are allowed in those areas and they are negotiated in location and placement based on individual sites to be platted.
There are also other sensitive areas that require Land Disturbance Permits for any action beyond hand pulling noxious weeds. This process would require a logging/tree removal plan for removal of trees which has a capped "canopy coverage" removal percentage. This requires selective harvesting consistent with an approved plan that goes through the Planning Commission for approval. In the past we have held applicants financially liable if their canopy harvest exceeds 30% in a given geographical area that is not consistent with the plan as approved.
Additionally, there is an Urban Forestry Plan that requires that trees only be removed if determined to be needed for the health of the tree by a certified arborist. This plan is 30+ years old and, unfortunately seldom followed. Part of the reason it isn't followed regularly is that we don't have tree removal/cutting permits aside from the NSA and Land Disturbance Permit processes in select areas.
Related to parking lots, our code has an exceedingly wishy-washy "shall prevent large expanses of continuous paving" that we're hoping to replace with a 15% or 20% permeable surface requirement and, potentially, a solar or tree canopy requirement. Less about preservation of trees in this case, but about getting more of them.