Initiatives > Project Directory > Tree Ordinance Review & Tree Canopy Goal

Tree Ordinance Review & Tree Canopy Goal

About the Tree Ordinance Review and Tree Canopy Goal:

The City Council Priorities for FY19 included goals to review the City’s Tree Ordinance policies and procedures, as well as formulate a tree canopy goal for the city. Among the areas for focused attention are efforts to preserve and grow the tree canopy through programs and education and identify opportunities for tree retention, maintenance, and growth.

Current Project Status

January 12, 2021

Updates to the Administrative Regulations on ‘Noxious Growth and Undesirable Trees’ and ‘Urban Forest – Establishment of Fees’ have been approved by the City Manager and are set to go into effect on January 17, 2021. See below for links to the regulations:

The Council held the first work session discussion on the topic on October 24, 2018, to establish their strategy for moving the effort forward. Following that, the Council held a work session on June 19, 2019, and a joint work session with the Committee on the Environment and the Tree Commission on July 22, 2019.

The Council has received recommendations on changes to the Tree Ordinance and development of Tree Canopy Goals from a variety of sources, including the Tree Commission and the City Attorney.

The Council intends to provide various opportunities for public input and comments through a public forum and work sessions. Another work session is scheduled for September 11, 2019, to continue to move this work forward.

Project Lead & Contact Info:

For Ordinance and Tree related questions:
Urban Forest Manager, UrbanForestManager@takomaparkmd.gov, 301 891 7633
For Council Schedule and public comment questions:
City Clerk, Jessie Carpenter, jessiec@takomaparkmd.gov, 301 891 7267

Project Information & Timeline

The schedule for future public meetings, including Council work sessions, is still being finalized. Meeting announcements will be added to this page as they are scheduled. Additional work sessions are anticipated in fall 2019 and winter 2020.

Budget & Funding Source:

The Urban Forest Division budget is included in the Public Works Departmental Budget.
The possible impact of changes to the ordinance or the establishment of a tree canopy goal is unknown at this time. Additional funding to facilitate any changes would be at the discretion of the City Council and usually be developed as part of the annual budget process.