Laserfiche WebLink
AGENDA ITEM <br />Date: May 26, 2026 <br />Title: Tree Preservation Discussion <br />Presenter: Laura Oakden, Community Development Director <br />Section: Work Session Item <br />Purpose: <br />Review and provide feedback for a tree preservation ordinance <br />Item: 1 <br />2. Background: <br />In February 2026, the City Council reviewed a conservation design as part of a preliminary plat <br />application. The subdivision proposal involved limited clearing of the tree stand for two home <br />sites, but general concerns were raised regarding tree preservation, and the Council directed staff <br />to explore tree preservation ordinances for the City. <br />Staff reviewed the tree preservation regulations of eight cities, to determine how tree preservation <br />ordinances are structured, applied and reviewed with development projects. Staff identified the <br />common themes between the studied ordinances, and created a list of best practices for the City to <br />consider, with recommendations for implementation of an Orono -specific tree preservation <br />ordinance. Discussion should occur in the work session to determine the priorities of the Council <br />in preserving trees during development with a zoning ordinance. <br />Council will be asked to discuss the following: <br />1. Should Orono establish a tree preservation ordinance? <br />2. What is the Council's goal for this ordinance? <br />3. What development standards should trigger the tree replacement plans? <br />COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED <br />Council should discuss the goals and scope of a tree preservation ordinance <br />2 <br />