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Builders and chamber back tree-amendments, cite enforcement and affordability concerns
Summary
Representatives of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, and local home builders told the Plan Commission the councilpassed amendments ease compliance burdens and support housing affordability, while warning staff capacity and replanting standards remain open issues.
Multiple business and development stakeholders urged the commission to endorse the council's tree-preservation amendments during the public hearing. Christina Thrun, executive officer of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, said exemptions for single- and two-family homes and the simplified permit approach would reduce enforcement pressure on city staff and help projects that are difficult to finance.
"By doing this exemption... it seems to make the most sense to just exempt based on housing type like 1 and 2 family," Thrun said, adding that the city forester had told council it would be difficult to enforce the original code with current staffing levels. Scott Rogers, vice president of affairs for the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, also urged a balanced approach, saying the amendments encourage infill development while maintaining canopy goals.
Other speakers—home builder Paul Holzinger and realtor Nick Cernohous—said the amendments will help first-time buyers and reduce cost pressures on new home construction, and recommended pursuing non-code incentives to protect trees alongside the zoning changes.
