Paul Roberts
Councilmember
I’m placing an item on our June 5th Council agenda directing the Planning & Zoning Commission to revisit our tree preservation ordinance, specifically the provision that allows fees in lieu of tree replacement.
PRAC discussed related concerns during their May 14, 2025 meeting. If Brad allows, I’ll try to briefly raise this under Councilor Prince’s PRAC liaison comments or Councilor Durbin’s P&Z liaison comments at tonight’s meeting. Otherwise, waiting until June 5 means this won’t reach the P&Z agenda until July, which I’d prefer to avoid if possible.
As many of you know, P&Z formed a subcommittee last year to review potential changes to the ordinance, but that subcommittee hasn’t met in over six months, and no recommendations have come forward. Given ongoing concerns about tree canopy loss, development pressure, and how in-lieu fees are structured and used, I believe it’s time to restart that conversation.
The intent here is not to pre-judge the outcome, but simply to ensure the issue is formally back on the table for discussion and possible action. Staff would assist by providing background materials to P&Z and supporting any follow-up the Commission may recommend to Council.
Happy to discuss further at tonight’s meeting.
PRAC discussed related concerns during their May 14, 2025 meeting. If Brad allows, I’ll try to briefly raise this under Councilor Prince’s PRAC liaison comments or Councilor Durbin’s P&Z liaison comments at tonight’s meeting. Otherwise, waiting until June 5 means this won’t reach the P&Z agenda until July, which I’d prefer to avoid if possible.
As many of you know, P&Z formed a subcommittee last year to review potential changes to the ordinance, but that subcommittee hasn’t met in over six months, and no recommendations have come forward. Given ongoing concerns about tree canopy loss, development pressure, and how in-lieu fees are structured and used, I believe it’s time to restart that conversation.
The intent here is not to pre-judge the outcome, but simply to ensure the issue is formally back on the table for discussion and possible action. Staff would assist by providing background materials to P&Z and supporting any follow-up the Commission may recommend to Council.
Happy to discuss further at tonight’s meeting.
