North Ridgeville planning commission reviews draft Master Tree Plan; decision deferred

The City of North Ridgeville Planning Commission on May 13 reviewed a staff-drafted Master Tree Plan and updates to Chapter 1030 of the city's codified ordinances governing trees, but took no formal action and scheduled further consideration at a later meeting.

Director Lieber, Planning and Development Director, told the commission the city recently adopted amendments to Chapter 1030 of the codified ordinances and that some existing provisions dated to the 1960s. He said the code cleanup adds guidance on permitted and prohibited species, clarifies private-property owners' maintenance responsibilities and creates a no-fee permit process for planting or moving trees in the public right of way that will take effect May 27.

The draft Master Tree Plan is separate from the codified ordinance and is intended as a living guidance document the city arborist will maintain. City Arborist Ryan Thomas said the plan is intended "to act as a tool to implement best management practices" so the city's canopy can grow rather than decline.

Commission members asked questions and heard that the plan and recent Arbor Day activities are part of steps to pursue Tree City USA recognition; Thomas said the city plans to apply this year after recent plantings. Director Lieber said the plan was prepared by staff across departments with input from the arborist and the engineering department and would allow the arborist to update species guidance and other attachments without requiring ordinance changes each time best practices change.

No vote or formal adoption occurred. Chair indicated the commission would "sit on it and probably act on it at the next meeting." The commission invited questions and comments and left the document to return on a future agenda for potential adoption and implementation steps.