Subject:
Title
Tree Advocacy Committee - Request to Amend Vienna Green Streets Policy (5 min. Staff Presentation)
Body
DATE(S) OF PRIOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF THIS ISSUE:
March 9, 2026 - Work Session - Tree Advocacy Committee Recommendations to Council
EXPLANATION AND SUMMARY: The Tree Advocacy Committee (TAC) presented several recommendations related to the preservation, enhancement, and long-term sustainability of the Town’s tree canopy during the March 9, 2026, Council work session. Council expressed general support for many of the recommendations; however, members held differing views regarding the removal of the current street tree opt-out provision available to property owners under the Vienna Green Streets program for trees planted within Town rights-of-way. Council members discussed refining the policy framework, including potential distinctions between existing residents and new development projects, as well as consideration of alternative approaches such as appeals processes and enhanced public outreach. TAC was encouraged to return with more detailed recommendations for Council consideration.
TAC is now requesting Council approval of the following recommendations:
1. Existing Town Residents - Amend the current Vienna Green Streets policy to eliminate the ability of Town residents to decline the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to their property when the Town Arborist has determined that street trees are appropriate for the location.
2. New Development - Amend the current Vienna Green Streets policy to eliminate the ability of developers to decline the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to a development site when recommended by the Town Arborist. Any street trees recommended by the Town Arborist shall be incorporated into the approved site plan.
Under the current Vienna Green Streets policy, the Town Arborist determines appropriate locations for street tree plantings within the public right-of-way. Property owners are notified through two certified letters, mailed several weeks apart, informing them of the Town’s intent to plant one or more street trees adjacent to their property. If a resident objects to the Arborist’s initial tree species selection, the Arborist works with the resident to identify an alternative species acceptable to the property owner. However, the current policy allows residents to ultimately decline the planting altogether. In 2024 and 2025, approximately 18 percent of proposed street tree plantings were vetoed by property owners.
Departmental Recommendation: Staff supports TAC’s goal of increasing and preserving the Town’s tree canopy and recognizes the importance of expanding street tree plantings where feasible within the public right-of-way. Staff recommends Council approve the proposed policy change for new development projects, requiring Town-recommended street trees to be incorporated into approved site plans when determined appropriate by the Town Arborist. New development presents the most practical opportunity to expand canopy coverage without impacting existing established residential preferences.
With regard to existing residential properties, staff recommends maintaining the current opt-out provision at this time while continuing to evaluate opportunities to increase participation through enhanced resident outreach, education, species selection collaboration, and potential revisions to the appeal or review process. This approach balances the Town’s long-term canopy goals with existing resident concerns while allowing TAC and staff to continue refining recommendations for future Council consideration.
Next Steps
Council may take one of the following actions regarding the Tree Advocacy Committee recommendations:
1. Approve both proposed policy changes related to existing residential properties and new development projects;
2. Approve only the proposed policy change related to new development projects;
3. Maintain the current Vienna Green Streets policy with no changes; or
4. Provide alternative direction to staff and TAC for additional review, refinement, outreach, or policy development.
Following Council direction, staff will coordinate with the Tree Advocacy Committee and the Town Arborist to implement any approved policy changes and update related procedures, outreach materials, and development review processes as necessary.
Expected Completion Time Frame
1. If Council approves amendments to the Vienna Green Streets policy, staff anticipates implementation of updated procedures, outreach materials, and development review coordination within approximately 30-60 days following Council action.
2. If Council directs additional review, outreach, or policy refinement, staff and the Tree Advocacy Committee would return to Council with revised recommendations at a future work session or regular meeting, anticipated within approximately 4-6 months.
3. If Council elects to maintain the current policy with no changes, no additional implementation action would be required.
Finance Recommendation:
Purchasing Recommendation:
Town Attorney Recommendation: The Town Council may review and amend the Town’s street tree (within the right-of-way) planting policy in its discretion.
Town Manager's Recommendation: I recommend the Town Council approve Option 3, as presented.
Cost and Financing: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Prior Funding Approval: N/A
Decision Needed by This date: June 1, 2026
PROPOSED/SUGGESTED MOTION
Recommended Action
Option 1 - Approve Both Recommendations
“I move to amend the current Vienna Green Streets policy to eliminate the ability of Town residents and developers to decline the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to their property when recommended by the Town Arborist.”
Option 2 - Approve New Development Recommendation Only
“I move to amend the current Vienna Green Streets policy to eliminate the ability of developers to decline the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to a development property when recommended by the Town Arborist.”
Option 3 - Maintain Current Policy
“I move to maintain the current Vienna Green Streets policy with no changes.”
Option 4 - Alternative Direction
“Other action as deemed appropriate by Council.”