Tree protection ordinances are one of the ways cities balance urban growth with preserving a healthy, sustainable and livable community. In 2020-2021, Edmonds' tree code was updated to support Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) Goal 1A to reduce development impacts on the urban forest. At that time, the City Council and the Planning Board recognized that in addition to retaining and planting trees with development, regulations that would limit property owner tree removals could be considered at a future date.
In early 2022, Edmonds completed a Tree Canopy Assessment measuring tree canopy cover to guide canopy-enhancing strategies such as tree planting programs, public education and tree code updates.
PROJECT SCOPE
Regulating property owner tree removals is a substantial, new code requirement and as such, is a major amendment to the existing code, Chapter 23.10 of the Edmonds Community and Development Code (ECDC). The scope of the 2022-2023 tree code amendment project is to achieve three objectives:
- Establish appropriate limitations to property owner tree removals (not related to development activity).
- Address issues and challenges that have arisen since the existing code was adopted in 2021 with minor code amendments.
- Simplify the existing code so that it is effective and practical to use.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
- Take the public survey available March 28th at the QR code above or at this link.
- Provide input at a Community Conversation meeting on March 27, 2023 from 6-7:30pm in Council Chambers, 250 5th Avenue N, Edmonds, WA 98020.
- Submit your comments to [email protected].
- Email [email protected] with a request to receive tree code amendment project updates.
- In-person comments may be given during the Items from the Audience portion of Planning Board and City Council meetings.
- Email Deb Powers at [email protected] for more information about the project.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
TBD - check back for updates.