APRIL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Planning Commission recently approved a zoning ordinance amendment that will allow (via administrative variance) moving a proposed structure's footprint (setback) and prohibit trenching near the property line -- to help protect heritage trees (those over 20in. diameter) on the property.
Chairman Jean Wilson: "If they want to save a tree . . . this (gives) flexibility to move the buildings around a little."
Commissioner Fidler: "(This) helps homeowners . . . they wont have to get a (setback) variance (from the Board of Adjustment) . . . saves them time . . . if they want to to save a tree."
Fidler said another proposed provision prohibits trenching near the property line, which "may disturb the neighbor's trees." (Requires a 9' setback for trenching, boring would be required closer to property line.)
Fidler: ". . . reduces stress on the neighbor's trees and . . . maybe create less friction between neighbors."
(As the city's horticulturist, Fidler enforces the city's tree ordinance.)
Apparently, the trigger for the changes arose recently at a construction site on Magnolia Ave. -- where neighboring, overhanging oak limbs had to be cut -- and a utility trench dug under a magnolia tree near the right-of-way.
CITY COUNCIL MUST NOW APPROVE
Chairman Wilson said the Commission only makes recommendations to the City Council, which has the final authority.
The Planning Commission recently approved a zoning ordinance amendment that will allow (via administrative variance) moving a proposed structure's footprint (setback) and prohibit trenching near the property line -- to help protect heritage trees (those over 20in. diameter) on the property.
Chairman Jean Wilson: "If they want to save a tree . . . this (gives) flexibility to move the buildings around a little."
Commissioner Fidler: "(This) helps homeowners . . . they wont have to get a (setback) variance (from the Board of Adjustment) . . . saves them time . . . if they want to to save a tree."
Fidler said another proposed provision prohibits trenching near the property line, which "may disturb the neighbor's trees." (Requires a 9' setback for trenching, boring would be required closer to property line.)
Fidler: ". . . reduces stress on the neighbor's trees and . . . maybe create less friction between neighbors."
(As the city's horticulturist, Fidler enforces the city's tree ordinance.)
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| border oaks |
CITY COUNCIL MUST NOW APPROVE
Chairman Wilson said the Commission only makes recommendations to the City Council, which has the final authority.
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| Magnolia trench |
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