SB710: Trees; conservation during the land development process for air quality improvement.

Chief Patron

Patsy Ticer (D-30)
Room 2007 Alexandria, VA
Served: 1996–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate
	Signed by Governor
	Became Law

Status

03/27/2008: signed by governor

View Entire History

Summary

Conservation of trees during the land development process for air quality improvement in certain localities. Provides that certain localities may, by ordinance, require conservation of trees during the development process. The bill also provides that the tree conservation ordinance may require that the site plan for any subdivision or development provide for the preservation and replacement of trees on the development site such that the minimum tree canopy or tree cover percentage 10 years after development is projected to be as follows: (i) 10 percent tree canopy for a site zoned business, commercial, or industrial; (ii) 10 percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned 20 or more units per acre; (iii) 15 percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned more than eight but less than 20 units per acre; (iv) 20 percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned more than four but not more than eight units per acre; (v) 25 percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned more than two but not more than four units per acre; and (vi) 30 percent tree canopy for a residential site zoned two or less units per acre. Finally, the bill mandates that any tree conservation ordinance provide for certain deviations from the canopy requirements.

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