Commissioners debate how to calculate tree replacement: complex credits vs a simpler percentage
Staff proposed replacing a complicated 'negative credits' replacement method with a simpler percentage schedule (100% for 6–12", 150% for 12–20", 200% for 20"+). Commissioners raised concerns that the new schedule may be easier on developers and discussed alternative multipliers and benchmarks from peer cities.
The full story
Staff explained the current system uses a tiered negative‑credit approach that results in developers having to plant more caliper inches than they removed for larger trees; staff proposed switching to a percentage‑based replacement schedule to simplify calculations. Stephanie illustrated the difference with an example: under the existing credit method, removing two 8" and two 13" trees (42 caliper inches total) required planting 68 caliper inches; under the proposed percentage schedule the same removal would require 55 caliper inches.
Sign up to keep reading.
Your free newsletter brings you what your city council, county, and school board discussed and decided.
Keep reading for free
Create a free account to finish this story and see the video, transcript and key details.
Continue with GoogleContinue with emailAlready have an account? Log in