The Evanston Human Services Committee on Dec. 1 approved a variation request related to the city’s private-property tree-protection ordinance (ordinance 15,023) for 1809 Grant Street and moved the item forward after a voice vote.

Angela LaVerniere, Tree Preservation Coordinator, told the committee the property has "a very small backyard," and that the applicant is not interested in planting a large shade tree; she said the applicant was likely to pay the fee-in-lieu. A committee member summarized staff calculations as roughly 7.2 trees, equating to about "$1,800.17 and some change." LaVerniere explained the fee is placed into a reserve account that is used for private-tree programs, tree giveaways and generally to support the urban canopy.

Committee Chair (unnamed) said the variation request is an example of how the tree ordinance is intended to offer options for property owners while supporting canopy goals. The committee approved the variation by voice vote and the item will proceed as required by ordinance procedures.

The transcript records no roll-call tally; vote was taken by voice.