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Lakeville council adopts expanded tree-preservation ordinance, applies new rules to large existing lots
Summary
The council approved amendments to Titles 10 and 11 of the city code to move tree-preservation requirements into the zoning code, set removal thresholds and establish replacement rules for heritage trees; the measure passed unanimously 5-0.
The Lakeville City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amending Title 10 (subdivisions) and Title 11 (zoning) to expand and relocate the city's tree-preservation rules into the zoning ordinance.
Community Development Director Goodrode told the council the ordinance consolidates tree-preservation requirements, establishes which development types require a preservation plan, and sets removal thresholds and replacement rules. Goodrode said the ordinance applies to new subdivisions, site-plan approvals, infill lots and building permits for reconstruction or expansion of a principal residence.
Goodrode said the planning commission reviewed the ordinance twice, requested additional work on how the rules would apply to existing properties, and recommended changes. Staff revised the language so that for existing lots of record the ordinance applies only to parcels of one acre or greater; staff said the one-acre threshold aims to allow space for required replacement plantings on existing lots. Goodrode also said replacement requirements for heritage trees on existing lots were set at two replacement trees per removed heritage tree and that the replacement requirement applies when a heritage tree is removed for expansion of the principal house (it does not apply to decks or similar ancillary work).
Other thresholds in the ordinance follow council direction: residential districts use a 40 percent removal threshold and nonresidential districts use a 70 percent removal threshold. Goodrode said the measure offers incentives intended to be more flexible than neighboring communities.
Councilmember John Bermel moved to approve the ordinance; the motion was seconded and passed on a 5-0 roll call: Bermel, Walter, Lee, Volk and Hellyer voted aye.
Goodrode said the ordinance was brought to the council after multiple planning-commission meetings and council work sessions and that the change moves the tree-preservation standards into the zoning code to make application and enforcement clearer.
