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Presentation, discussion and direction regarding possible amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance related to tree preservation for residential and non-residential zoning districts. (Mayor Dye)
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BACKGROUND:
At the direction of the Planning & Zoning Commission on August 5, 2019, staff began work on a proposed tree preservation ordinance. After extensive discussion and deliberation with the Commission, and one presentation to the City Council on December 15, 2020, the process was derailed due to COVID-19 pandemic and staff changes within the department. As it has been awhile since Council has considered the topic of tree preservation, staff would like to consult with Council to gauge their interest in the development of a tree preservation ordinance.
Currently, as it relates to tree preservation, the landscaping regulations within the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) vaguely requires the replacement of existing trees on developed sites. It only applies to non-residential zoning districts and does not address the concerns raised by the Commission and Council in the past. Amendments to the CZO could be made in relation to tree preservation with the goal of encouraging the protection of mature trees and maintaining the signature "City in a Park" character throughout the city.
Should Council provide direction to continue work on a tree preservation ordinance, staff will return to P&Z and Council with a draft ordinance for future discussion and consideration. Once a draft is finalized, the ordinance would go through a public hearing process prior to formal adoption. While the tree preservation ordinance was originally drafted in conjunction with a larger CZO landscape regulations amendments, staff recommends decoupling the efforts to preserve effectiveness and efficiency in the process. Considering tree preservation and landscaping regulations separately will simplify the discussion and the adoption process.
Given the redevelopment of pr...
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