Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Standards Trees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning staff proposes countywide street‑tree standards; planners asked for time to review list
Summary
At a work session the planning department presented proposed street‑tree code language and a species list for countywide use; commissioners asked staff to refine irrigation and maintenance language and return with a public‑hearing draft.
Planning staff presented proposed code language and a species list intended to standardize street trees for subdivisions and form‑based village streets across the county and asked the commission to review the draft list.
Staff said the current Land Use Code allows broad discretion on street trees and the county and developers would benefit from clearer guidance. The proposal includes permitted species for different park‑strip widths and utility constraints, a requirement to replace dead trees, and maintenance expectations. Commissioners raised questions about applicability in Ogden Valley microclimates, irrigation (secondary water) and who bears long‑term maintenance costs. Staff said the list is countywide, but that exceptions can be considered if a species is unsuitable for a particular subarea; they agreed to add clearer irrigation language and to bring a revised draft back for public hearing.
Commissioners also discussed timing and applicability: street trees will generally be required when streets are improved or when subdivisions proceed to final engineering; staff said some subdivisions defer full street improvements and so tree installation can be delayed or handled via a fee‑in‑lieu until full street construction occurs.
The commission did not take formal action at the work session and asked staff to circulate the draft and return with refined language for a future public hearing.
