Indian Trail Council reviews tree preservation and landscaping requirements for new development

The Planning & Zoning Board meeting for Indian Trail, held on April 15, 2025, focused on several key topics related to local development and environmental considerations. The meeting began with discussions on traffic circulation and safety measures for new developments, particularly concerning the placement of play areas in truck courts. Board members expressed satisfaction with the proposed locations, noting that they would facilitate better traffic flow during pick-up and drop-off times.

A significant point of discussion was the inclusion of sidewalks around new buildings, especially in areas where children would be present. It was confirmed that concrete sidewalks would be installed in front of each building, along with walking paths connecting to various amenities, such as pavilions and outdoor seating areas.

The board also addressed the increase in the required diameter for heritage trees from 14 inches to 20 inches. Staff explained that this change was necessary due to challenges encountered during site planning. Indian Trail has stringent heritage tree mitigation requirements, which typically allow for new tree plantings to count towards mitigation. However, the site in question was not large enough to accommodate the required number of new trees, prompting the request for an increase in the diameter requirement.

Further discussions included the specifics of landscaping plans, particularly the types of trees to be planted. Board members sought clarification on the proposed plantings, which included large, medium, and small maturing trees. The board emphasized the importance of canopy coverage in parking lots, requiring a certain percentage of large deciduous trees for adequate shade.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to balancing development needs with environmental stewardship, ensuring that new projects align with community safety and sustainability goals. The next steps will involve further review of the landscaping plans and continued discussions on tree preservation and mitigation strategies.