Marion County advances proposed buffer, tree-mitigation and landscape-certification changes

Marion County commissioners heard detailed proposals March 2025 to tighten buffer and tree-mitigation rules, increase planting standards and create a post-installation certification process intended to keep roadside and development landscaping healthy over time.

The measures, presented by Chuck Fariden, director of Growth Services, and Jim Coolard, parks and recreation director, would revise buffer-width categories, raise plant-size and opacity targets, require landscape-design professionals for buffer plans and create a two-year performance certification that property owners would file with the county.

The changes are aimed at improving screening between incompatible land uses, protecting rural and equine character in parts of the county, and reducing the number of buffers that mature poorly after initial installation. "I know it's exciting, riveting stuff, but... it is important," Growth Services Director Chuck Fariden told the board as he opened the workshop.

Why it matters: Commissioners said poorly maintained or undersized buffers are visibly common along major corridors and reduce the value of original landscape conditions. County staff said the proposed code edits respond to prior workshops and public feedback and are intended to preserve community character, reduce long-term maintenance failures and give clearer, enforceable standards.

Key proposals and standards - Buffer classifications: Staff proposed increasing minimum widths for the most protective category (type A) from 30 feet to 50 feet as a default; applicants could propose a reduced 30-foot width only with a corresponding increase in planting density and shrub/understory counts. Jim Coolard explained the approach as a trade-off: narrower widths require more plant material. - Equine-themed buffers: A new "C" buffer option would allow a 25-foot planted buffer that includes an agriculturally themed equestrian fence (described in the presentation as a 3-…