Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zta2023 06 Street Trees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends adopting street‑tree standards, sends ordinance to county commission 5–2
Summary
The planning commission recommended approval of a zoning text amendment to create predictable street‑tree standards and maintenance rules for county right‑of‑ways, forwarding the proposal to the county commission by a 5–2 vote and asking that tree‑removal permits be fee‑exempt.
The Western Weber Planning Commission voted Jan. 9 to recommend the county adopt a zoning text amendment (ZTA2023‑06) that would add objective standards for street trees, irrigation and maintenance in public right‑of‑ways and require a county‑adopted street‑tree list. The motion passed 5–2.
Planning staff member Bill presented the draft ordinance language and the companion street‑tree list (to be adopted by county commission resolution). Bill said the change is intended to give developers predictability: instead of leaving tree selection and quantity to ad hoc planning commission direction, the county would adopt a standard list and allow staff to approve irrigation approaches. The draft requires developers to plant and maintain parkway trees until adjacent lots are sold; maintenance responsibility would transfer with property ownership.
Commission discussion included a request that any permit required to remove or replace trees on county property be processed without a fee. Commissioners also clarified that the amendment covers landscaping in the parkway and associated approval authority; it is not intended to remove other planning commission responsibilities for subdivision review.
When the commission voted, Commissioner Klontz and Commissioner Neville voted "nay." Commissioners Wickerton, Ferrero, Andreotti, McCormack and the chair voted "aye," carrying the recommendation 5–2. The planning commission forwarded the amendment package to the county commission for final action and asked the county commission to adopt the street‑tree list by resolution and to adopt a no‑fee policy for tree‑removal permits on county property.
