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9:15 - 10:00 p.m. Third discussion of potential code amendments to Chapters 18 ad 27 - Preserving and Enhancing Tree Canopy
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BACKGROUND SUMMARY:
Since 2020, the Town Council, community members, the Conservation and Sustainability Commission (CSC) and staff have all been bringing increased attention to the challenge of the declining amount of trees in the town limits of Vienna. Research conducted has shown that there has been a 13% decline in the tree canopy in Vienna over the 10 years from 2011 to 2021.
On August 28, 2023, the Vienna Town Council indicated its desire to adopt amendments to the Town code with the purpose of preserving and enhancing the Town's overall tree canopy.
Three categories of potential code amendments were discussed:
1. Changing the regulatory approach regarding tree canopy during development from the Town's current approach, which operates under the State's tree replacement provision (Virginia Code Section 15.2-961), to the other approach permitted by the State, which is more focused on providing incentives for tree conservation (Virginia Code Section 15.2-961.1).
2. Changing the Town's approach to the Tree Board, which is currently in Section 27-5 of the Code of Vienna and subservient to the CSC.
3. Adding a code requirement for regular reporting on tree management.
On August 28, 2023, the Town Council considered two legislative options for accomplishing these amendments and referred them both to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation.
On September 27, 2023, the Planning Commission held a public hearing, which is required under State law for any proposed changes to zoning. On November 8, after four discussions, the Planning Commission completed its recommendation and forwarded a memorandum to the Town Council. The Planning Commission took particular care to ask the Department of Parks and Recreation about its views and the challenges of implementation.
On October 23, 2023, Town...
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