University Heights committee debates rewrite of tree ordinance, proposes tree commission and mitigation fee

A University Heights joint meeting of the Service and Utilities and Building and Housing Committee on April 15 discussed proposed revisions to the city—ode that would formalize a city tree program, create a volunteer tree commission and establish replacement or mitigation rules for trees removed during development.

The committee spent most of the meeting reviewing draft changes to Chapter 1072 of the city code, discussing who should make technical tree decisions, how a five-member Tree Commission would be structured and resourced, and whether residential property work should trigger requirements such as replacement trees or a mitigation fee. No ordinance was adopted; the committee directed staff to refine language and return with a revised draft at a later meeting.

The proposed draft would change the code—ook—ramework in several ways. It replaces a phrase that would have "delegated" authority with language that "authorizes the city service director" to manage selection and care of public trees. The draft also adds a provision allowing the director to consult "the expertise of a certified arborist." Committee members generally supported those edits as clarifying who has administrative authority and how technical expertise is used.

On staffing and expertise, the committee discussed whether the city rborist should be a formal, defined position or remain a contracted professional. Committee members noted the city…