City Council adopts tree preservation ordinance; commission to draft enforcement steps

The Olivette City Council adopted a new tree preservation ordinance (Ordinance No. 3050), and Planning Department staff told the Planning & Community Design Commission on Sept. 4 that the ordinance is now in effect and that the commission and staff will work on enforcement and permit procedures. Carlos Trejo, director of the City of Olivette Planning and Community Development Department, briefed commissioners on the council action and on public hearing input. He said two residents testified in support during the council hearings. The commission discussed that the tree ordinance is likely the first phase of a multi-phase approach to tree canopy and related policies around the city. Staff said they will return with details on how enforcement and permit review will operate under the new ordinance and asked the commission to expect follow-up work tying tree preservation to broader comprehensive-plan objectives including sustainability, quality of life and housing types. No formal vote or regulatory text changes by the commission were taken at the Sept. 4 meeting; the action recorded was the City Council’s adoption of Ordinance No. 3050.