Growth FAQ - Engineering

What are the development standards for a canopy road tree protection zone?

According to Sec. 5-81(a)(2)f., TLDC, the following development standards apply to the canopy road zone:

• Canopy road citizens' committee review is required when impact is proposed within the canopy road tree protection zone.
• Development can be permitted at a density consistent with the density allowed by the existing land use, provided the following are done:
• No clearing may occur in the canopy road zone unless authorized for legal access (provided no other alternatives exist), health, safety or welfare of the public, or for linear sidewalk improvements that meet stated criteria in the Code.
• Any part of the canopy road zone that is cleared or has trees removed from it must be widened by the same amount that was removed and shall be replanted if necessary, with native, non invasive canopy trees, understory trees and shrubs.
• A full analysis of the impact of a development on the affected canopy road as described in Sec. 5-55(b)(10), TLDC, must be submitted at the time of development review.
• Joint access to canopy roads will be utilized unless there is no alternative. New cuts into canopy roads must be designed to serve more than one property development.
• No removal of understory vegetation (underbrushing) shall be allowed within the canopy road tree protection zones, except as specified in a vegetation management plan, submitted to and approved by the director, which outlines specific planting and maintenance operations designed to restore or maintain the natural vegetation component of a specific canopy road section, and is consistent with the objectives of this chapter.
• The canopy road tree protection zone shall be placed in a conservation easement.