Press release from the city of Asheville:
Asheville is a city of trees, a defining feature of the city’s natural beauty. As the City has grown and developed, particularly in the past decade, the community, City board members and City staff have recognized a need to review regulations regarding tree removal and protection.
In October 2019, an Urban Tree Canopy Study was completed to establish baseline information and provide a useful tool to help guide ordinance provisions to support the preservation of trees.
Also in 2019, City staff began reviewing landscaping and tree standards in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
In partnership with the City Urban Forestry Commission, staff have developed recommendations for City rules that clearly define what percent of the existing tree canopy must be preserved or replanted when land is being developed. The recommendations offer several options for developers, while encouraging tree preservation.
These new tree protection regulations must go before City Council for adoption before they can go into effect. These updates are scheduled to go to City Council on April 28.
Before it goes to Council, we’re making the draft ordinance changes available to the public. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20, the City will host a drop-in style meeting at Asheville Public Works, 161 S. Charlotte St., Room A109. There will be short presentations at the top of the hour to review staff recommended updates to the ordinance. Staff will be on site to answer questions. Light refreshments will be provided.
For more details, including a timeline and documents related to this initiative, visit this informational webpage.
Find a copy of this press release on Asheville City Source.
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