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Staff proposes minimum three‑tree requirement for new single‑family homes; commissioners ask for a sliding scale
Summary
The draft zoning text would require three 3‑inch‑caliper trees for new permitted single‑family homes; commissioners raised concerns about small lots and asked staff to create a sliding scale tied to lot size or offer small‑tree alternatives.
City planning staff proposed that new permitted single‑family homes be required to plant a minimum of three trees of at least 3‑inch caliper.
"Right now, we do not have any landscaping requirements for single family homes," Wes Morrison said. "So this built in that at least 3 trees, minimum 3 inch caliber, have to be planted on each single family home, new permitted single family home." Several commissioners immediately questioned whether the requirement is feasible on very small lots, noting townhomes and narrow infill lots may lack space for three trees. One commissioner suggested a sliding scale that ties the minimum number of trees to lot size; Morrison agreed to consider a sliding scale and to refine the proposal.
Commissioners also raised species selection and size concerns — for example, cautioning against planting large canopy trees where yards are only 10 by 20 feet — and asked staff to ensure the approved plant list reflects species that suit local growing conditions. Morrison said staff will review the consultant's plant list and compare it with regional lists and that substitution ratios and species sizing could be clarified in a future draft.
The requirement is currently in the staff draft and will return to the commission for additional review before a public hearing.
