Pender County commissioners ask staff to draft stronger tree protection rules

Pender County commissioners on Monday signaled support for stronger local rules to protect mature trees and directed planning staff to prepare proposed UDO changes for the planning board.

The discussion began after planning staff summarized research on tree-protection ordinances used by neighboring jurisdictions and asked commissioners what changes they wanted. Commissioners and public speakers called for a shift from mitigation toward preservation, earlier review in the planning process and incentives such as cluster development and density bonuses to encourage developers to retain trees.

“Let's save what we can save,” the chair said, urging a proactive approach that reviews parcels during planning rather than reacting after developers clear-cut sites. A public commenter described repeated clear-cutting near subdivisions that has increased runoff into local waterways and harmed shellfish and fisheries.

Planning staff said they are compiling model language from jurisdictions including Wrightsville Beach and Buford and will involve an arborist in the research. They cautioned that state law limits some local authorities, and the county attorney said staff is checking statutory constraints before drafting text amendments.

Commissioners also discussed enforcement and long-term survivability of replacement trees, suggesting the county consider requirements that replaced trees be maintained until they establish. Staff expects to present a draft UDO amendment to the planning board and then bring it to the commission for formal consideration.

The board did not adopt any ordinances Monday; it directed staff to continue research and return with draft language and potential incentives or mitigation standards.