Town amends tree-protection regulations; canopy requirements go into effect March 2011 - Chapel Hill, NC

chapelhillnews.com | Town amends tree-protection regulations:
Many Chapel Hill trees will have new protection come spring.

The Town Council voted 6-1 Monday night to require 'tree canopy' standards for certain properties within town limits. The new rules will take effect March 1, 2011.

The new ordinance will measure trees by their canopy, rather than by the diameter of their trunks.

Canopy standards will be enforced according to their land use.

Single-family lots, two family properties, and smaller, non-residential projects are exempt.

A tree's canopy would be measured in square feet by its 'drip zones,' or area under the tree's outermost branches.

Institutional and mixed-use developments will require a 40 percent tree canopy.

Commercial and multi-family residential properties will require a 30 percent canopy.