York County Council approves first reading to expand grand-tree protection radius

York County Council voted on Jan. 20 to approve the first reading of an amendment to the county’s land-development tree-conservation rules that expands the protected fencing radius for grand trees from a 1:1 to a 1.5:1 ratio.

Peter Kosicki, the county’s landscape architect, told the council the recommendation responds to evidence that large trees’ root systems extend well beyond the canopy and that root disturbance can cause long-term decline. "The proposed amendment would change this to 1.5," Kosicki said, adding that the change is consistent with recommendations from the U.S. Forest Service and NC State University and follows a 7–0 Planning Commission recommendation.

Kosicki said the amendment would apply only to grand trees and would have a minor overall impact on development because most grand trees are already mitigated. Supporters at the hearing urged equal application of the ordinance and cautioned against exemptions for large industries that would not apply to small businesses.

After closing the public hearing, the council moved to approve the ordinance on first reading by voice vote; the chair announced, "Hearing none, the matter is approved." The motion enacted the amendment on first reading; additional procedural steps required for final adoption are not recorded in this meeting’s minutes.

What happens next: Because the council approved first reading, staff and council will follow the county’s legislative process for subsequent readings and any implementation details; the amendment only applies to designated 'grand trees' and not to the county’s broader tree-conservation rules.