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Dawson County staff unveil proposed updates to Chapter 109 on trees, buffers and erosion control
Summary
At a July 2 work session, county staff presented proposed amendments to Dawson County Code Chapter 109 to update tree preservation rules, clarify timber-harvesting procedures, tighten bonding for new developments and align erosion and stormwater rules with state standards; a second hearing and possible vote are set for July 16, 2026.
At a July 2 work session, Richard, a county staff member, outlined proposed amendments to the Dawson County Code of Ordinances Chapter 109, covering trees, landscaping, buffers, erosion control, watershed management and stormwater.
"The last significant changes were in 2015," Richard said, and he told commissioners the draft reflects recommendations from a certified arborist report and more recent state rules. He said the changes include new definitions; confirmation of legal nonconforming standards and exemptions; clarified timber-harvesting procedures; and updated requirements for tree-preservation plans and landscape bonds or letters of credit to ensure new plantings survive initial years.
Why it matters: the revisions would change how developers and the county manage and enforce tree preservation and land-disturbance rules. Richard said the county will confirm tree-density calculation requirements, simplify standards for enforcement, and update the county tree species list to emphasize native species and at least "one-third species diversity" on new commercial sites.
The draft also reflects changes in state oversight of timber harvesting. Richard explained that timber harvesting is now managed through a state registration process that notifies the county rather than requiring a local permit; the county would typically engage only if a citizen complaint arises. He said erosion-control and stormwater provisions are being aligned with state EPD standards and that the county has a memorandum of agreement enabling local staff to review erosion-control plans instead of sending them to state review, a time-saving measure for applicants.
Chairman Thurman opened the public comment period on the Chapter 109 amendments and said no one had signed up to speak; he closed the hearing and reminded the board a second hearing and possible vote are scheduled for 6 p.m. on July 16, 2026.
Next steps: staff will incorporate feedback and bring the revisions back for the July 16 hearing and potential vote. The proposal as presented would be a code amendment and any final changes would be adopted by the board during a future voting session.
