Changes Proposed to the Charlotte Tree Ordinance

The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of Charlotte is a city wide effort that provides regulations that guide growth, development and sustainability in the city. The UDO is used to regulate development and create zoning ordinances. Recently, the city proposed making changes to the Charlotte Tree Ordinance to help increase greenery throughout the area. 

The Tree Ordinance supports, protects and manages urban and community forests that results in aesthetic and environmental benefits, including a requirement of tree planting with new construction. Integrating the Tree Ordinance in urban developments is challenging as new space is occupied by businesses. However, the city is making an effort to combat these challenges with the new zoning rules. 

The most recent proposal suggests more flexibility in regulations. The city is making an effort to create greater transparency and predictability by formalizing and adjusting the current Tree Ordinance that is already in use. This is extremely important as city plans are continuously changing, the Tree Ordinance should reflect this and adjust as well. 

Another change in the Tree Ordinance is better integration of trees into urban sites. The city will provide better options to integrate trees so that the public are able to interact with them.Trees aren't just pleasant to the eye, they also should be accessible to feel, smell and experience, this change will do just that. 

Lastly, the city is implementation a “no net loss of ordinance required trees.” This regulation will ensure that for every tree lost in urban development, another will be planted in place. This regulation is a guiding principle for the previous proposed changes. 
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To learn more about Charlotte's efforts and the Tree Ordinance visit CharlotteUDO.org, or contact Laura Harmon at 704-336-4565 or [email protected].