Marion County LDRC recommends tree-protection code changes, sets July 8 BOCC hearing

The Marion County Land Development Regulation Commission voted to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners consider revisions to Article 6, Division 7 of the Land Development Code on tree protection and replacement and scheduled a public hearing for July 8, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Jim Coolard, Marion County Parks and Recreation director and county landscape architect, led the presentation and described the scope of the draft changes, saying the update “adds protection of existing trees and the mature size of proposed trees into consideration” and includes edits to exemptions, replacement-tree sizing and shade-tree credits. After clarifying editorial cleanups and agreeing to refine language on specimen-tree removal, the commission adopted a motion recommending movement of the draft to the BOCC. The motion was moved by Jim Coolard and seconded by a board member; the body passed the recommendation by voice vote.

Why it matters: the draft would change how the county measures mitigation for trees removed under agricultural exemptions, limit how shade-tree credits may be applied, and formalize procedures and appeals related to removal of specimen trees. Staff and members said they will continue to refine wording before the BOCC hearing and have a July 1 workshop scheduled to prepare final edits.