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Council hears lengthy first reading of Brentwood tree-protection ordinance
Summary
Vice Mayor Jerry Burgess conducted a first reading of Ordinance 2025-18, a comprehensive update to Brentwood’s tree-protection code that would create an urban canopy fund, set tree-permit and replacement rules, and require an urban tree management plan; the council did not vote and scheduled a second reading.
Vice Mayor Jerry Burgess conducted a lengthy first reading on Nov. 18 of Ordinance 2025-18, a comprehensive rewrite of Chapter 2-83 that would increase protections for the town’s urban forest, create an urban canopy fund, and establish a Town Tree Committee and an urban tree management plan. The ordinance’s preamble cites the Tree Solutions Act of 2021 and Prince George’s County climate goals.
The proposed ordinance would expand the definition of protected trees, require permits for many removals or major pruning activities, and set replacement or fee-in-lieu requirements when trees are removed. It also directs the town administrator, in consultation with a certified arborist and the tree committee, to prepare a three-year urban tree management plan and to seek at least $2 per capita annually for urban forestry to maintain Tree City USA standards.
Burgess, who read the draft in full, said the measure is the "meat of it" for protecting the town’s canopy and stressed that many sections were drafted to be equitable across neighborhoods. "Actions including this ordinance will be pursued in an equitable manner to address inequities that exist in tree canopy coverage across the town," Burgess said during the reading.
Council and staff exchanged questions about definitions (for example, how a "protected tree" is measured and which species are exempt), appeals and enforcement procedures, and the proposed size of the tree committee. Town Administrator Shirley Dorsey Washington said staff will prepare the procedural details the ordinance refers to, including a fee schedule and criteria for waiver or financial assistance under the proposed urban canopy fund.
The ordinance sets a 10-business-day public-notice period for proposed removals on public property and establishes an appeals panel made up of the town administrator, a tree-committee member and a mayoral appointee. It also authorizes fines and misdemeanor penalties for noncompliance; the council would later determine fine amounts by resolution.
No final vote was taken on Nov. 18; Burgess said a fair summary will be read and the measure will return for a second reading. The town scheduled a public hearing and the second reading to allow residents and committee members to review the full text and submit feedback.
