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Council adopts code amendment tightening tree-protection rules for planned developments
Summary
Marietta City Council approved a code amendment to clarify that planned developments with approved tree plans and infill homes are not exempt from the city's tree protection and landscaping rules; public comment stressed preservation of century-old street trees.
The Marietta City Council adopted a code amendment clarifying that planned developments and infill single-family projects are subject to the city’s tree protection and landscaping requirements, city staff said during a public hearing.
City planning staff told council that CA2025-0672 proposes amendments to sections addressing planned residential developments (single- and multi-family), mixed-use developments, and tree protection and landscaping, with the primary change clarifying that planned developments with approved tree plans and infill-approved homes are not exempt from the tree protection ordinance.
During the public hearing resident Larry Wheels, who conducted a street-tree survey in the West Side neighborhood, urged stronger protections and replacement requirements, saying many century-old street trees are disappearing and are not being replaced “in any kind of systematic way.” Wheels told the council that large street oaks have recently been removed near Polk Street.
Citing the need to remove outdated language and to improve clarity across several code sections, staff recommended adoption. After public comment, a council member moved to adopt the amendment; the council approved the change on the floor.
The amendment’s stated intent is to ensure planned developments and certain infill housing actions remain subject to tree-protection rules, rather than being treated as exempt. Staff said remaining changes to the referenced code sections were mainly clarification and removal of outdated text.
The adopted ordinance will be incorporated into the city code and will affect future planned-development approvals and infill projects; staff will apply the clarified tree-protection requirements to new applications and to planned development site plans moving forward.
The public record of the hearing reflects resident concern about loss of large street trees and uneven replacement practices; the council’s adoption signals a policy preference for retaining and replacing trees as part of development approvals.
