Leesburg commission reviews tree‑removal permitting and possible ordinance; county invasive management program noted

Commissioners discussed proposals to establish a formal tree‑conservation ordinance and a town permit process for removal of significant or heritage trees, and they reviewed how emergency hazard removals would be handled before any commission review.

Melissa relayed advice from the town attorney’s office that “council is essentially gonna have to approve a tree conservation ordinance before any permit process could be put in place,” and that such a permit process would likely be administered by town staff rather than by the commission. Under the model discussed, homeowners would apply for a permit and staff (for example the urban forester) would review applications and risk assessments similar to other public‑works permit processes.

Commission members raised procedural questions: whether an applicant could remove a tree if it became hazardous in the interval between application and the commission’s monthly meeting; how the town would handle urgent hazards (for example, after storm damage); and whether certified arborist risk assessments would be required for heritage or high‑value trees. Members referenced other municipal models where staff or crews inspect and, when necessary, remove hazardous trees and then place a lien on the property if the owner does not reimburse removal costs.

Separately, members discussed invasive species management. Melissa said she had met with the Loudoun County urban‑forestry lead and that the county is coordinating a new integrated pest management (IPM) employee and an invasive‑species removal exchange program that may allow landowners who remove invasive plants such as tree‑of‑heaven to receive replacement trees through soil and water or county programs. Commissioners noted the county program targets private parcels and HOAs and that the town would likely need grant funding or partnership to run an equivalent program on municipal lands.

Why it matters: Formalizing permitting and a conservation ordinance would change how private‑property tree removals are reviewed and would clarify town/staff versus commission roles for risk and hazard responses.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to continue coordinating with the town attorney and with county forestry staff, and to develop draft permit‑process options and sample language for the commission to review at a future meeting.