While development is an essential part of a city’s growth, preserving the area’s tree canopy is equally as important. The City of Chattanooga has proposed a new tree ordinance to help with this balancing act.
To get to the root of it all, you can read the full ordinance online — but leaf it to us to break down the highlights.
- This proposal focuses on new developments versus private homeowners.
- For every acre developed, 36 inches of tree caliber (about 18 trees) must be present either by replanting or preserving the trees.
- A third option includes paying into the newly introduced Chattanooga Tree Bank — 125% of costs go toward planting trees in other parts of the city.
- For developments near residential areas, buffer trees will be planted for three years to ensure survival.
The proposal also provides key updates to the current tree ordinance:
- Clearer definitions of tree species, sizes + measurement methods
- Chattanooga Tree Commission will make annual fee recommendations to the City Council + the city forester role will be appointed through the Public Works Department
