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Fayetteville to require certified arborist reports, tighten tree‑preservation code
Summary
The council previewed amendments aligning the Unified Development Code with the 2024 Urban Forestry Management Plan, including ISA‑certified arborist reports for projects below canopy minimums, clarified preservation easement and protection fencing standards, and stronger tree‑preservation plan requirements.
Staff presented a set of amendments to the city’s tree preservation and protection code designed to implement priorities from the 2024 Urban Forestry Management Plan.
Willa Thomason, urban forester, described the package and said it includes a requirement that an ISA‑certified arborist prepare reports for projects that do not meet minimum canopy requirements, clarified standards for tree‑preservation easements and protective fencing, and more consistent plan requirements for parking lots and certain grading permits. “The purpose of this is really to implement priorities that were outlined in the urban forestry management plan, particularly the emphasis on preserving existing canopy,” Thomason said.
Councilors raised enforcement concerns after a member described an instance on Huntsville Road where several significant trees were removed before a tree preservation plan was in place. Thomason said the arborist requirement will provide independent verification and noted the code already contains a penalty provision (167.04D1) that increases mitigation obligations when canopy removal occurs within five years of application.
What’s next: planning staff said they will present the final ordinance and visuals at the council meeting next week; planning commission recommended approval.
