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Council opens discussion on updated tree code and continues hearing for staff to review post‑packet comments
Summary
Staff presented proposed tree‑code amendments aimed at clarity, enforcement fixes and canopy‑credit rules; council agreed to open the hearing and continue the item so staff can analyze post‑packet public comments and return with an updated packet.
Milwaukie staff presented proposed amendments to the city’s tree code on Dec. 17 that would reorganize the code for clarity, rename permit types, consolidate enforcement language, and clarify what trees qualify for private‑development canopy credits. Urban Forester Courtney Wilson and Climate and Natural Resources Manager Katie Gavares said the changes aim to close enforcement loopholes and align the tree code with the broader natural‑resources code.
Staff noted they received post‑packet public comments and requested additional time to analyze suggested definition changes and cross‑references. Council agreed to open the hearing, accept the staff report, and continue the item to a later meeting so staff can return with prepared responses and a revised packet. No ordinance was adopted at this meeting.
Representative quotes: "We added and revised definitions... and clarified what trees can be used towards private development canopy credits," Urban Forester Courtney Wilson said.
What’s next: staff will analyze the comments, determine whether to incorporate changes, and return with an updated staff report and a continued hearing date; the item was not finalized on Dec. 17.
