Board recommends $300 minimum fine and tree replacement after homeowner removed large tree at 8326 Garrison Boulevard

The Chesapeake Beach Tree Board on June 3 recommended fining a new homeowner a minimum of $300 after the removal of a large protected tree at 8326 Garrison Boulevard without first obtaining a permit, and required replacement plantings under the town’s urban forest ordinance.

Planning staff informed the board the tree, which was largely removed before the owner applied for a permit, was healthy but leaning toward the house and pool. The planner’s report said the removal constituted a municipal infraction under Chapter 2-63 and cited the municipal infraction schedule: $300 per tree as a base, plus $50 per inch over 50 inches of circumference up to a $1,000 maximum; the board recommended the $300 minimum in light of the homeowner’s prompt cooperation.

Homeowner Bobby Olney told the board he closed on the property May 5 and removed the tree May 15. Olney said he stopped work immediately after the town contacted him and expressed regret. “I was actually extremely embarrassed,” Olney said, adding that the decision to remove the tree followed concern that a similar tree nearby had blown over in a storm.

The board recommended replacement by one medium-to-large tree or three small trees from the town’s approved list and a six-month deadline for planting; if replacements are not completed within six months the town will assess the ordinance’s maximum penalty for after-the-fact removal.

Board members noted the homeowner’s cooperation in stopping the removal when notified as a mitigating factor. The board voted to forward the recommendation to the town for formal action; staff will clarify the distinction between the permit fee and the ordinance fine when they send the homeowner the formal letter.