Commission transmits comprehensive‑plan tree protections and authorizes ULDC tree code changes; stakeholders urge balance with affordable housing

Alachua County commissioners on April 22 agreed to transmit a comprehensive plan amendment to the State Land Planning Agency and approved advertisement of related Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) changes that expand protections for high‑value trees and revise open‑space rules.

What the board approved: The proposed comp‑plan amendment (file Z25000006) adds “champion trees” and “landmark live oaks” to the county’s conservation/open‑space categories and creates new policies directing the ULDC to govern protections, measurement and mitigation. Commissioners voted unanimously to transmit the amendment to the state for review. Growth Management then presented a coordinated ULDC package — replacing and reorganizing the county’s tree code, clarifying definitions, establishing measurement rules for multi‑trunk trees, adding a tree‑rating methodology into code, and setting new thresholds and mitigation scales — and the board authorized staff to advertise…