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Eau Claire Plan Commission recommends counciltree-preservation and bicycle-parking amendments, 6-0
Summary
After a staff presentation, the Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend four council-passed amendments to the Century Code: three affecting tree-preservation rules and one changing bicycle-parking proximity. Support came from builders and the chamber, while arborists urged stronger replanting and maintenance standards.
On Aug. 4, 2025, the Eau Claire City Plan Commission voted 6-0 to recommend four city-council amendments to the Century Code update, three aimed at tree preservation and one addressing bicycle-parking proximity. Commissioner Leonard moved the recommendation and Commissioner Lawson seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Staff presenter Scott Noel summarized the changes that the council adopted July 22 and brought back to the commission for consideration. The three tree-preservation amendments relax certain requirements for single- and two-family homes, create a simplified permit pathway for projects with multiple high-value trees, and add an exemption for qualifying long-term affordable housing projects. Noel also described a separate amendment altering the required distance of bicycle parking from primary entrances, with council direction to keep racks closer for commercial uses.
Public testimony at the hearing largely supported the council's amendments. Christina Thrun, executive officer of the Chippewa Valley Home Builders Association, asked the commission to endorse the three tree-related amendments and said exemptions would reduce an enforcement burden the city forester and staff could not currently absorb. "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.
Arborists and tree-care professionals supported easing some requirements but raised implementation concerns. Tree-service owner Luke Mahal urged the commission to require replanting standards, and arborist Chris Kleger warned of a potential wave of preemptive removals without maintenance requirements. Kleger said the sapling-replacement requirement needs a concrete maintenance plan or it becomes an unfunded mandate with little accountability.
After hearing testimony, the commission moved and voted to forward the recommended amendments to city council. Staff indicated the commission will next meet Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 for additional LDO and Century Code items.
