[CANUFNET] Tree Management By Law Based on Lot Size

[Gorby, Erin via CANUFNET]

Hi Craig,

The City of Coquitlam tree bylaw uses an approach similar to what you describe to determine replacement tree requirements. We based our canopy cover targets at 40% and based on a consultant report, we use this to determine replacement tree requirements on single family properties (and other types of private properties). I'll attach our table that determines replacement tree requirements, which are based on the number of trees over 20cm dbh that the applicant KEEPS on the property and the lot size. Applicants who do not keep the required number of existing trees must replace trees according to this table. They have the option of replacing with fewer trees that are large at maturity (Class A on the attached table) or more trees that are smaller at maturity (Class C on the attached table).

It is working relatively well. The main drawbacks are:


1.       It is difficult to use this formula on commercial and industrial properties, where the lots are large and the planting space is limited. This issue could be easily dealt with through an exemption for certain zoning types in the bylaw.

2.       The consultants recommendations for tree replacement make for a greater than 40% canopy cover if all the trees grew to maturity. They intentionally did this with the understanding that not all trees would survive to maturity. Arborists are often (rightfully) reluctant to recommend this density of tree replacement, especially considering the size of houses being built these days. I am not sure what the best way to deal with this issue is; I see both sides of the argument.

Hope this helps!

Erin Gorby, B.Sc., M.F.C., ISA-certified arborist
Urban Forestry Services Supervisor
City of Coquitlam
3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam BC V3B 7N2
Office: 604-927-3482 Fax: 604-927-3405
E-mail: urbanforestry at coquitlam.ca

From: CANUFNET [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Craig Bench via CANUFNET
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2018 10:17 AM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network (canufnet at list.web.net)
Subject: [CANUFNET] Tree Management By Law Based on Lot Size



Hello Everyone,



I would like to inquire to hear back from municipalities that have a Tree Bylaw that regulates tree removal on private property by focusing on Tree Canopy or Density? This would be a lot size based approach that would  require a certain amount many trees per lot based on how big the property is. Of course the tree number per lot would be determined by using some data from a tree canopy study to set some targets.



There are a few Tree Management Bylaws for municipalities with significant sized rural land that is currently under development but it would be very helpful to hear if anyone who is using this approach with single family residential properties as well. Typically there would be a diameter limit set in some regards and  provide property owners some flexibility to manage trees if they had excess amount of tree.One of the features of this approach would hopefully provide some balance between property owners that have lots of trees and those with very few with regard to responsibilities for maintaining current tree canopy goals.



A working group is currently looking at this approach, any information on who has a bylaw based on lot size, how it is working or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks,
Craig Bench
Supervisor Operations, Urban Forestry and Facilities
t: 604.998.3291 | e: cbench at cnv.org<mailto:cbench at cnv.org>

City of North Vancouver
61 Bewicke Avenue, North Vancouver, BC  V7M 3B6
Reception: 604.985.7761 | www.cnv.org<http://www.cnv.org>
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