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Decatur Diary | January 16, 2014

Trees! Conservation Ordinance Ready for Review

Building from input received during the December 11 community input meeting, the proposed Decatur Tree Conservation Ordinance is now available along with the administrative standards that will be used to implement the new provisions. Several elements of the proposal would significantly change the City’s approach to tree conservation as compared to the current ordinance, and we want your opinion.

In October 2013, the City Commission passed a 90-day moratorium on tree removal. Additionally, they fast-tracked the development of a new tree ordinance that would reflect current best management practices in the industry.

That effort has been underway with the assistance of tree consultant, Connie Head of Technical Forestry Services, and the City Commission is scheduled to consider the recommendations at their regular meeting on January 21st at 7:30pm.  Please review the materials and provide your opinion using Open City Hall.  The forum for this discussion will open on January 16th and close on January 21st (noon).

Supporting Materials:

Summary of Tree Conservation Ordinance
Common Questions about the Tree Conservation Ordinance

Proposed Ordinance and Administrative Standards:

Decatur Tree Conservation Ordinance
Administrative Standards

Draft recommendations were presented to the City Commission during a work session on January 6th.  A recording of the presentation is available online here.

What are the major changes proposed in the new ordinance?

  • Hire a full time City Arborist.
  • Switch to measuring tree canopy instead of tree density.
  • Set a city-wide canopy coverage goal.
  • Create one class of protected trees.
  • Define boundary trees and establish rules for their protection.
  • All protected tree removals or disturbance will require a permit.
  • Permit applications will require consultation with a certified arborist.
  • The existing canopy coverage of a property and proposed scope of work will determine replanting requirements.

We welcome all comments and questions. To ensure your contributions can be reviewed and assessed by the city commission, please review the materials and provide your opinion using Open City Hall.  The forum for this discussion will open on January 16th and close January 21st (noon).

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