Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves stronger tree-protection language, raises mitigation requirements
Summary
Biloxi council approved amendments to the land development ordinance to clarify tree-permit rules, require development review committee oversight, raise mitigation based on tree diameter, and require council consideration for "majestic" tree removals; vote was unanimous 7–0.
The Biloxi City Council unanimously approved revisions to the land development ordinance on July 28 that clarify tree-permitting procedures and strengthen mitigation when trees are removed.
Councilman Creel summarized the changes: public hearings will not be required for most single-family tree removals unless the tree is designated "majestic," development projects must now go through the development review committee with a required tree survey, landscape and mitigation plans, and the number of mitigating trees rises depending on the removed tree's diameter. A staff representative noted the committee removed a previous requirement that homeowners seeking to remove five or more trees must undergo a public hearing, acknowledging insurance-driven removals on private property.
Council President Tisdale thanked the planning commission and Creel for extensive work on the revisions, which the council approved 7–0. "When in doubt about removing a tree, they could always call community development," Tisdale said, noting staff can help property owners determine requirements.
