Subject:
Title
Vienna Green Streets Policy - Proposed Amendments to Street Tree Planting Requirements
Body
Purpose:
Council is requested to provide directional feedback on the Tree Advocacy Committee's proposed amendments to the Vienna Green Streets Policy concerning street tree plantings in the public right-of-way.
Key QUESTIONS:
Should the Vienna Green Streets Policy be amended to eliminate the ability of owners of properties undergoing development to decline/opt-out of the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to the development site when recommended by the Town Arborist?
BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
On March 9, 2026, the Town Council held a work session to discuss recommendations from the Tree Advocacy Committee (TAC) related to preserving, enhancing, and expanding Vienna's urban tree canopy. During that discussion, Council expressed general support for many of TAC's recommendations but identified differing viewpoints regarding the current Vienna Green Streets Policy, which allows property owners to decline the planting of Town-funded street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to their property. Council discussed several potential approaches, including distinguishing between existing residential properties and new development, establishing an appeals process, enhancing public outreach and education, and identifying opportunities to increase street tree planting while balancing private property concerns. TAC was encouraged to further refine its recommendations for future Council consideration.
Following additional review, the Tree Advocacy Committee formally requested that the Town Council amend the Vienna Green Streets Policy to eliminate the street tree opt-out provision for both existing developed properties and properties under development (new or redevelopment). The proposed amendments were presented to the Town Council at its June 1, 2026, meeting. Following discussion, Council determined that additional policy discussion was warranted and voted to defer action on the proposed amendments and schedule a work session to further evaluate the recommendations before considering any policy changes.
The current Vienna Green Streets Policy authorizes the Town Arborist to determine appropriate locations for street tree plantings within the public right-of-way. Property owners are notified through two mailings (one being certified) and are given the opportunity to discuss alternative tree species with the Town Arborist. While the policy encourages collaboration, property owners may ultimately decline the planting altogether. During the 2024 and 2025 planting seasons, approximately 18 percent of proposed street tree plantings were declined.
Based on Council's previous discussion, TAC has returned with one recommendation for consideration: (1) Eliminate the ability of owners of properties undergoing development to decline/opt-out of the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to the development site when recommended by the Town Arborist.
Any street trees recommended by the Town Arborist shall be incorporated into the approved site plan. The Town is responsible for installation and establishment of the street trees. This work session is intended to obtain Council's direction on this proposed policy change and determine the preferred path forward.
OVERVIEW:
SUMMARY/STAFF IMPRESSIONS:
1) Street trees are one of the Town's most effective municipal tools for increasing long-term tree canopy, particularly in neighborhoods where planting opportunities on private property are limited. Public rights-of-way provide opportunities to add canopy and maintain consistent canopy along streets over time.
2) New development presents an advantageous opportunity to expand the Town's tree canopy. In the vast majority of cases, the front of a property under development is clear-cut to accommodate the movement of heavy equipment, utility installation, grading, and driveway construction. As a result, much of the existing front-yard vegetation and canopy is removed during the development process. Because these sites are already undergoing site plan review and infrastructure improvements, incorporating street trees into the final design is both practical and cost-effective while helping to offset the loss of canopy in the front yard. Requiring street trees as part of the approved site plan also provides predictability and consistency for both the Town and developers.
3) The Vienna Green Streets Policy Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff support amending the Vienna Green Streets Policy to eliminate the ability of owners of properties undergoing development to decline/opt-out of the planting of one or more Town-purchased street trees within the public right-of-way adjacent to the development site when recommended by the Town Arborist. This approach integrates street trees into the development review process and provides the greatest opportunity to expand the Town's tree canopy without affecting existing residential preferences.
For existing properties not under development, staff recommend maintaining the current opt-out provision currently while continuing to improve outreach, education, species selection collaboration, and evaluating whether modifications to the appeal process or other policy refinements could increase participation. This approach advances the Town's canopy goals while recognizing the unique concerns associated with established neighborhoods.
This recommendation acknowledges TAC's long-term canopy objectives while recognizing that new development and existing neighborhoods present fundamentally different policy and implementation considerations. It also provides Council with a balanced approach that achieves measurable canopy gains where they are most readily attainable while allowing additional time to evaluate broader changes affecting existing residents.