In November a series of saplings were destroyed along NW 65th Street. The proposed ordinance will address tree protection and preservation; restrictions on tree removal; requirements for replacements; new requirements for private tree companies; and will strengthen penalties for violations.
The Seattle Department of Transportation is seeking community feedback regarding protecting and preserving street trees.
A street tree is defined as any tree growing in a city right-of-way, whether it is improved or unimproved. In 2007 SDOT, together with nine other city departments, contributed to the development of Seattle’s first strategic plan for managing the urban forest.
The Urban Forest Management Plan sets forth the goal of achieving 30 percent tree canopy cover by 2037 to increase the environmental, social, and economic benefits that trees bring to Seattle residents. The Street Tree Ordinance is one of the tools that can help the city ensure that this goal is achieved.
The proposed ordinance will address tree protection and preservation; restrictions on tree removal; requirements for replacements; new requirements for private tree companies; and will strengthen penalties for violations.
The proposed draft ordinance and the Street Tree Manual can be viewed on the Urban Forestry website: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/treeordinance.htm
There are meetings taking place regarding the tree ordinance throughout the city and the Ballard meeting will take place Wednesday, January 11 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave NW.
