Town commission approves canopy preservation ordinance; St. Simons Island, GA

The Brunswick News - Home Page:
In a separate matter, the commission approved a plan to preserve the tree canopy of St. Simons Island.

The ordinance, which would apply to the island only, requires tree plans to be submitted with all site plans for approval, and also creates a process of establishing tree protection zones.

The new guidelines will also create a credit system for replacing removed trees.

The new rules call for eight tree credits per acre, which means that in general one-twelfth of new property would have to be made up of trees.

The new rules would not apply to residential houses or uses where clear areas are essential, such as golf courses, athletic fields and airports.