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Committee approves updated street tree protection standards, subject to attorney review
Summary
The committee approved updates to the city's street tree policy that add a tree protection zone standard and require more robust fencing (chain‑link rather than snow fence), and endorsed stop‑work enforcement; approval was contingent on city attorney review and minor member edits.
The Public Works Committee approved updates to Middleton’s street tree protection policy on Aug. 10, endorsing new standard details and stronger protective measures for terrace and park trees.
Parks and forestry staff said the documents provide the specifications missing from the forestry ordinance — defining what constitutes adequate tree protection during construction. A parks staff speaker highlighted two substantive changes: replacing lightweight orange snow fence with chain‑link fencing for protection and removing a small monetary fine in favor of stop‑work orders and contractor liability. “Having chain link fence is a world of difference,” the parks speaker said, adding the change will take time for contractors to adopt but should better protect trees.
Member Bechtel and others asked that the policy and specification changes be subject to city attorney review; the motion to approve the updated policy, city specifications and the tree protection zone standard detail passed unanimously with the condition of attorney review and proposed edits.
