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Waynesville board approves interim fee-in-lieu policy for street trees affected by NCDOT projects
Summary
The Town of Waynesville board approved an interim policy allowing developers affected by North Carolina Department of Transportation roadway projects to pay a fee in lieu of planting required street trees; staff were directed to draft a formal text amendment and create a dedicated account for those funds.
The Town of Waynesville board voted to allow a temporary fee-in-lieu option for required street trees on properties affected by North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) roadway projects, and directed staff to pursue a formal text amendment to the town’s land development standards.
The action responds to the Russ Avenue widening and improvement project, which created construction easements that prevent property owners from planting trees at frontages now and during construction, town staff told the board.
Why it matters: Under the town’s land development standards property frontages and sidewalks normally require street trees; the board’s interim policy lets property owners pay a fee so the town can plant trees later after DOT construction is complete. Staff will take a text amendment to the planning board to make the change permanent if approved.
Development services staff said the policy is intended to preserve the town’s long-term street-tree goals while giving property owners relief where DOT-owned or controlled easements block planting. The staff presentation noted two properties along West Avenue already affected and said the fee will cover the town’s cost to purchase and install trees when conditions permit.
Council discussion focused on mechanics of the fee and on ensuring the town still obtains street trees in the long run. One councilmember asked whether the town would use the fee to purchase and install the trees; staff replied, “Yes,” and explained the fee would generally equal the cost of materials plus the contractor install estimate, similar to the town’s existing in-lieu practices for sidewalks.
Board actions: The board approved a motion to implement a policy allowing development impacted by NCDOT roadway projects to provide a fee in lieu of planting street trees. The board then approved a separate motion directing staff to draft a formal text amendment to section 8.20.4 (alternative compliance) of the Land Development Standards and to establish an account to hold such funds until they can be used for the intended landscaping.
Next steps: Staff will present a formal text amendment to the planning board and, if recommended, will return the change to the town board for a public hearing and ordinance adoption.
