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Board defers Chesapeake Bay preservation ordinance vote to fix a definitional discrepancy
Summary
Deputy Director of Public Works John Saunders presented updates to Hanover's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (mature tree protection, resiliency assessment). A discrepancy in the definition for tree caliper measurement prompted the board to defer action so staff can reconcile state DEQ definitions with the draft ordinance.
Deputy Director John Saunders (S27) walked the board through the updates required by the 2021 regulatory change and new resiliency assessment requirement: stronger protection for mature trees and a requirement that applicants assess sea‑level rise/flooding impacts where relevant. He described new forms and outreach to the development community.
Board members asked technical questions, and Supervisor Stable flagged an inconsistency between a caliper measurement in the presentation and the ordinance text. The planning director and county attorney agreed to verify the state standard and correct the ordinance if needed; the board voted to defer final action to a later meeting. Jane Kirschner (S14) spoke in favor of stronger RPA protections during the hearing.
