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Olivet holds public hearing on tree protection ordinance; second reading set for Sept. 9
Summary
The City of Olivet held a public hearing Aug. 26 on Bill 30‑51, which would add Article 23 to Chapter 400 of the Olivet Municipal Code to establish a tree inventory, protection and replacement program for single‑family residential demolition, significant additions and new single‑family homes.
The City of Olivet held a public hearing Aug. 26 on Bill 30‑51, which would add Article 23 to Chapter 400 of the Olivet Municipal Code to establish a tree inventory, protection and replacement program for single‑family residential demolition, significant additions and new single‑family homes. Carlos Trejo, director of planning and community development, presented the draft and said the proposal implements council direction issued March 5, 2024, and draws on the city’s 2024 comprehensive plan and input from residents, developers and arborists.
Why it matters: The proposal would require developers and contractors to submit a three‑part package — an arborist report, a tree inventory plan and a tree protection and replacement plan — with codified preservation standards, replacement ratios, escrow and warranty requirements and a limited variation process for unusual sites. Planning and Community Design Commission members voted unanimously Aug. 21 to forward the ordinance to council. Trejo said the rules are intended as a first phase focused on construction impacts to trees, with additional measures possible later.
Key details: The ordinance applies to single‑family demolitions, accessory structures and additions over 1,200 square feet and to all new single‑family homes. Trejo described the three‑step process: inventory existing trees, apply preservation standards during construction, and apply a replacement policy for removed trees. He said the replacement metric uses matured canopy size (the “matured size once that tree grows”) as the standard rather than canopy at planting.
Council discussion and public comment: Council members asked several implementation questions. One member asked why the ordinance covers only single‑family homes; Trejo said the March 2024 council directive focused on single‑family detached areas, which account for roughly 63% of the city’s land area, and that multifamily and commercial redevelopment are addressed under separate chapter 428 landscaping rules. Council members also asked whether canopy calculations reference planted or mature canopy; Trejo said the ordinance will be clarified to reference matured canopy size and that the staff will add explanatory language in the packet.
Residents who spoke supported the ordinance and urged quick adoption. Stephanie Todd of 7 Heather Hill Lane said PCDC had solicited public comment and urged the council not to “wait until it’s perfect.” Todd and others asked that required tree‑protection fencing include signage so subcontractors recognize protected zones. Susan Koolhagen of 27 Forsythia Lane, representing Olivet Sustainability Advocates’ interest, said canopy cover provides health, climate and water‑management benefits and urged the council to move forward.
Next steps: The public hearing was closed Aug. 26 and the council scheduled a second reading and final vote for Sept. 9. Councilmembers directed staff to prepare an amended draft that clarifies the canopy definition and adds signage requirements for tree protection zones. No ordinance vote occurred on Aug. 26.
