The Planning Commission meeting held on February 24, 2025, in Canton, Michigan, focused on proposed amendments to the township's tree ordinance, which currently exempts occupied properties under two acres from needing permits for tree removal. This exemption allows property owners to remove trees without prior approval, raising concerns about the environmental impact and fairness of the ordinance.

During the meeting, officials discussed the implications of the existing ordinance, noting that 96% of parcels in Canton are two acres or less, which represents about 38% of the total land area. This has led to criticism that the tree preservation burden falls disproportionately on the 4% of property owners with larger parcels. The discussion highlighted the need for a more balanced approach to tree removal regulations.

To address these concerns, the commission proposed a new framework that would allow property owners, regardless of parcel size, to remove a certain number of trees each year without a permit. The specifics of this proposal include establishing thresholds based on parcel size, with suggestions for allowing two trees to be removed annually from properties under two acres without a permit, while properties over two acres would require prior approval from the planning division.

The commission emphasized the importance of creating a fair system that accommodates both small and large property owners. They discussed the potential for informal approvals in urgent situations, such as hazardous trees threatening homes, to streamline the process and ensure safety.

The proposed changes aim to provide clarity and fairness in tree removal practices while still promoting environmental stewardship. The commission plans to continue refining the ordinance, considering public feedback and further analysis of land area impacts. The next steps will involve gathering input from residents and stakeholders to finalize the amendments before implementation.