It’s All About Trees
February 20, 2010A comprehensive re-write of the City’s regulations around trees has been in development for some time now, and the public process around its adoption is heating up, beginning this week.
The first opportunity to hear about this is at the City Wide Land Use group meeting Monday night (2/22 at 7pm, 1900 SW 4th Ave, Room 2500B), followed by a joint Planning Commission/Forestry Commission briefing on Tuesday (2/23 at 6pm, 1900 SW 4th Ave, Room 2500A/B).
Here’s the rest of the schedule along with with links to the documents involved:
BPS News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2010CONTACT:
Eden Dabbs
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503-823-9908
eden.dabbs@ci.portland.or.usRoberta Jortner
Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
503-823-7855
rjortner@ci.portland.or.usCALENDAR ADVISORY
Citywide Tree Project Draft Proposal Goes Before Portland Planning Commission and Urban Forestry Commission; Open Houses Planned
Residents encouraged to read the document and comment in person or onlineAfter extensive analysis and discussion of complex tree-related issues, and developing and sharing potential solutions with multiple commissions and neighborhood groups, the Citywide Tree Project is publishing a comprehensive draft proposal for public review. The Portland Planning Commission and Urban Forestry Commission will invite public testimony on the proposal at a joint hearing on March 23, 2010.
Two open houses will be held before the hearing so members of the public can meet with project staff and learn more about project and draft proposal.
Upcoming Public Events
February 23, 2010
6 p.m.
Planning Commission Briefing
1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 2500A
Portland, OR 97201March 23, 2010
6 p.m.
Joint Planning Commission and Urban Forestry Commission Hearing (public comments welcome)
1900 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 2500A
Portland, OR 97201Public Open Houses
March 9, 2010
7-9 p.m.
Multnomah County Arts Center Auditorium
7688 SW Capitol Highway
Portland, Oregon 97219March 16, 2010
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Floyd Light Middle School Cafeteria
10800 SE Washington St
Portland, Oregon 97216The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has worked with other City bureaus and community stakeholders on the Tree Project because the City’s tree codes are confusing and out of date. With input from community stakeholders, City staff have developed a proposal intended to:
• clarify, simplify and improve the effectiveness of the codes;
• advance City goals and canopy targets for Portland’s urban forest, neighborhood livability and development;
• update City tree preservation and planting requirements that apply when development is proposed;
• standardize and streamline the existing tree removal permit system to apply consistently throughout the city;
• create a new comprehensive tree code to house most tree rules, and elevate the role of trees and the City’s urban forestry program; and
• enhance customer service for residents and builders looking for information about trees and permits.
Documents:
- Volume 1: Project Report
Project origin, approach, key issues, and recommendations. - Volume 2: Proposed Code Amendments
Proposed new Title 11- Trees, amendments to Title 33 – Planning and Zoning, as well as corresponding amendments to nine other City Titles (3, 8, 14, 16, 17, 20, 24, 29, 31) - Appendices
Additional project background documentation for the Project Report
[...] We’re holding a joint hearing with the Forestry Commission, to take testimony on the proposed new tree policy. [...]
[...] testimony tonight on the proposed tree plan split into two camps: Majority – trees provide lots of value, let’s get more, this [...]
[...] will continue the tree plan public hearing from last meeting, then hear staff’s thoughts on comments received to date. We [...]
[...] work session as we work through the details of the tree plan. I’ll be focusing on how the costs and benefits of the regulation trade off, and where the [...]