City of Charlotte Tree Ordinance Proposed Changes to Single Family Tree Save

Community Meeting

June 16, 2016

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Meeting Agenda & Purpose

I. Welcome & Introductions

II. Overview of Tree Ordinance & Incentives

III. Issues and Concerns

IV. Proposed Changes

V. Breakout Group Discussions

VI. Report Back

VII. Wrap-up & Next Steps

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• Enhanced Aesthetics

• Increased Oxygen Production *One large tree can supply a day's oxygen for four people

• Temperature Reduction & Shade *Build up of heat during the day that is radiated at night

• Energy Savings (Heating & Air)

• Increased Property Values (5 to 15% higher) *Rent faster and have a higher occupancy rate

• Erosion Control & Reduction

• Contributes to Council’s Tree Canopy Goal (50% Tree Canopy Coverage by 2050)

Trees Community Benefits

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Tree Ordinance Types of Subdivision

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Tree Ordinance Types of Subdivision

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Tree Ordinance Types of Subdivision

NOT SUBJECT TO THE SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE 6

Tree Ordinance Background

Year Council Action 1978 Adoption of Tree Ordinance (Chapter 21 City Code) 1988 Revised: Added tree protection 2000 Revised: Included urban zoning districts

2002 Revised: Added requirements & incentives to increase tree save for Single-Family development

2011 Revised: Added 15% tree save requirement for commercial development

Purpose of Tree Ordinance – protects the public interest by regulating the planting, maintenance and removal of trees located on public and private property (both for new and altered developments)

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Tree Ordinance Single-Family Development

Minimum Requirements • Minimum requirements intended

to promote tree preservation and reduce clear cutting

• Minimum 10% of site required for tree canopy preservation

• Tree save area platted and recorded with Register of Deeds

• Tree save area maintained by Homeowner’s Association

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Tree Ordinance Single-Family Development Incentives

Tree Ordinance incentives are intended to maintain and enlarge the tree canopy cover across the City (through preservation & tree planting)

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Incentive Goals 1) Enhance tree canopy in residential settings

2) Improve overall quality of life within larger residential areas

3) Further City land use policies (encouraging open spaces & preservation of wooded sites)

4) Discourage clear cutting of sites (when constructing single-family developments)

Incentives to Save More Trees • If 10% to 25% of the site remain covered by trees,

then the lot sizes and widths can be smaller • If greater than 25% of site will be covered by

trees, then the lot sizes and widths can be further reduced

Tree Ordinance Single-Family Development

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Tree save incentives used for individual lots (not subject to Subdivision Ordinance Review) are:

• Inconsistent with the intended purpose and application of requirements and incentives

• Establishing smaller lot sizes than currently allowed by the zoning district

• Resulting in negligible tree save opportunities, and • Administratively burdensome to enforce in perpetuity.

Tree Ordinance Issues & Concerns

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R-3

R-3 Cluster

R-4

R-4 Cluster

R-5

R-5 Cluster

R-6

R-6 Cluster

Min. Lot Area

10,000

8,000

8,000

6,000

6,000

4,500

4,500

3,500

Min. Lot Width

70’

60’

60’

50’

50’

40’

40’

40’

• Greater than 10% tree save in R4 zoning results in R4 cluster o Lot area reduced by 25% o Lot width reduced from 60 to 50 feet

Tree Ordinance Example 1: Reduced Lot Size

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• 10% to 25% tree save in R4 zoning allowed to develop as R4 cluster

• Allows minimum 50 foot lot width

• Lot widths of adjacent parcels range from 106 to 154 feet

Tree Ordinance Example 1: Reduced Lot Size

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R-3

R-3 Cluster

R-4

R-4 Cluster

R-5

R-5 Cluster

R-6

R-6 Cluster

Min. Lot Area

10,000

8,000

8,000

6,000

6,000

4,500

4,500

3,500

Min. Lot Width

70’

60’

60’

50’

50’

40’

40’

40’

• Greater than 25% tree save in R3 zoning results in R4 cluster o Lot area reduced by 40% o Lot width reduced from 70 to 50 feet

Tree Ordinance Example 2: Reduced Lot Size

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Tree Ordinance Example 2: Reduced Lot Size

• Three separate parcels preserving greater than 25% tree save in R3 zoning

• allowed to develop as R4 cluster (allows minimum 50 foot lot width)

• Lot widths of adjacent parcels range from 88 to180 feet

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Frequency of Incentives Applied to Individual lots in Existing Neighborhoods

• 408 not subject to plats submitted (September 1, 2014 to May 1, 2016)

• Urban Forestry approved 20 plats during time frame (avg. less than one per month)

• Currently, 7 plats are under review (not approved)

Tree Ordinance Application to Individual Lots

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1. Update definitions in the Tree Ordinance to

include: • Single-family development • Revise Homeowner definition

2. Clarify incentives can be applied to major and minor subdivision development types

3. Consider providing 20 foot perimeter tree save buffer for projects greater than 25% Tree Save

Tree Ordinance Recommendations

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Tree Ordinance Questions

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Questions

1) Do you have any additional questions about the existing provisions or proposed changes?

2) What are your issues or concerns with the proposed changes?

3) What additional changes, if any, would you suggest be considered?

Tree Ordinance Breakout Group Discussions

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Tree Ordinance Next Steps

May Committee Briefings Environment Committee Transportation and Planning Committee

May and

June

Stakeholder Input Development Services Technical Advisory Committee Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission Home Builders Association Chamber Land Use Committee • Community Forum • Charlotte Tree Advisory Commission (June 21st)

July • Public Hearing (July 18th) • Zoning Committee (Planning Commission)

Recommendation (July 27th) August Request Council Approval (Tentatively August 22nd)

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