Cheyenne council directs planning department to review tree species and planting sizes in new residential developments

The Cheyenne City Council on Oct. 13 adopted a resolution directing the city planning department to review the Unified Development Code and report back with recommendations on allowing a greater variety of trees and permitting smaller tree sizes in new residential developments.

Council members said the study is intended to inform future updates to the city code rather than immediately change planting requirements.

The resolution responds to public complaints about required species and tree sizes on small residential lots. Several residents and local stakeholders urged the council to broaden the list of acceptable species and better account for local soil and lot conditions during a public comment period. Jeremy Hamilton, who submitted handouts to the council, said the current list of required trees is “quite large on our smaller lots” and argued that “property rights ... people should be able to landscape how they shall be.” Philip Bowling, president of the Cheyenne Board of Realtors, told the council the board supports a review because the existing requirements can increase costs for homebuyers and builders and could make homes less attainable.

Mark Ellison, the city forester and president of Rooted in Cheyenne, urged caution about allowing smaller trees as street trees and said Cheyenne’s climate makes tree selection difficult: “Cheyenne’s like no place on earth. I’ve lived in a lot of places, and this is the hardest place to grow trees.” He recommended continuing to require shade trees for street-tree infrastructure rather than permitting ornamental trees to fulfill that role.

Council debate focused on the scope of the study. Supporters said a targeted review of species and size requirements would improve code outcomes and involve relevant stakeholders; opponents said the issue needs a broader, longer conversation about site plans, maintenance and tree placement across the city. Mayor Mary Collins, a sponsor of the resolution, said the review would broaden discussion and improve understanding among residents and city services.

Mister Seagrave moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried. The resolution passed with one member voting no (Mister Layborn).

Under the resolution, the planning department will review the Unified Development Code and provide a recommendation to the governing body on tree variety and tree-size allowances for new residential developments. The motion did not set a firm report-back deadline in the council discussion; council members said the review will be handled through the planning department and appropriate committee meetings.

The discussion included requests from commenters that the city include local landscape and tree professionals in the review. Several council members said they expect the process to engage the urban forestry staff, local landscapers and affected neighborhood representatives.