Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tree Protection Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Leesburg commission discusses possible private mature-tree permit ordinance as concern grows over removals
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether Leesburg should adopt a private-property mature-tree removal permit ordinance, noting Virginia enabling language is now available and that exceptions (dangerous/diseased trees, invasives) would apply; commissioners cited recent removals of older trees as a catalyst for the conversation.
Commissioners raised a recurring concern Oct. 21 about private mature-tree removals and whether Leesburg should pursue a local ordinance to regulate removal on private property.
A commission member summarized the impetus: a mature tree near a home was removed during a prebuilt-house lift operation and the loss prompted discussion of whether the town needs an ordinance to require review or permit approval before removing very old or historic trees on private property.
Melissa (town staff) told the commission that Virginia now provides enabling language that would allow localities to adopt private-tree protection ordinances; she said any local rule would typically include exceptions for hazardous trees, trees damaged by construction, invasive species or trees clearly threatening life or property and that some towns in Virginia already have such ordinances. She also said that private-property work would generally be outside federal grant-funded project scopes unless property owners agreed to easements.
Commissioner concerns and scope
Members expressed interest in protecting significant, healthy, historic trees (for example, large oaks) while recognizing the tension with property rights and construction needs. Commissioners discussed exemption language (danger, invasive, or permitted construction impacts) and the cost and administrative burden of permitting. Members flagged that enforcement and the need to make distinctions between a hazard removal and a discretionary removal would require careful ordinance drafting and public outreach.
Next steps and context
Melissa said she is reviewing ordinances from other Virginia towns and will present draft language and options to the commission for future meetings. Commissioners identified exceptions they would expect to see (imminent hazard, invasive species, permitted development or construction that has its own review path), and asked staff to bring sample ordinance language and examples of implementation to a future meeting.
Why it matters
An ordinance would change how private-property tree removals are handled in Leesburg, potentially requiring permits or review for historic or large-caliber trees and providing the town with a formal mechanism to review and, in some cases, deny discretionary removals. Commissioners framed the discussion as early-stage policy consideration rather than a finalized proposal.
