Conservation Statute Amendment Arlington County Government Vincent Verweij, Urban Forest Manager July 18, 2019

Overview Two major tree conservation statutes 15.2-961 – Replacement of trees during development – major components enacted 2003 15.2-961.1 – Conservation of trees during development – enacted 2008 Both statutes require percentage tree canopy cover Only one statute can be adopted by a locality Replacement statute currently adopted by some jurisdictions throughout Virginia Conservation statute only applies to PD8; adopted by Fairfax County Proposal to amend conservation statute to address desires of a wide range of communities Improves tree conservation and consistency across the State Beginning of a process to explore improving tree conservation in a wide range of communities in Virginia Bay We've seen a significant increase in development and housing pressures in Arlington County, and are seeking constructive solutions to the impact to our tree canopy and environment. Arlington is a small county, with very small lots. Development is squeezing out green space and trees, and better tools are needed for tree conservation. Initial conversations with building community shows interest in helping with this, conceptually. Andrew Clarke (HBAV)/ Steve Marku (NVBIA) Two major tree conservation statutes that address issues in different ways, and we are looking to amend the conservation statute.

Conservation Statutes Replacement statute Requires minimum tree canopy coverage through preservation and/or planting Conservation statute Requires minimum tree canopy coverage through conservation of existing percentage of trees, and planting to make up the difference Exceptions to conservation requirements require administrative process

Recommendation Amend conservation statute to be more widely applicable: Provide more flexibility to provide options on smaller lots to plant vs. conserve (suggest lots under 10,000 sq. ft.), to avoid frequent, time-intensive exception process, while still allowing for preservation on larger lots. Expand application beyond Planning District 8  Permit high density (>75 people/sq. mi.) jurisdictions to adopt, instead of tying to stormwater or ozone Provide credits for maximizing tree preservation, over planting