Urban Forest Code Rewrite

At a glance

What: Two ordinances that move the urban forest rules: one amends Article 1 (Administration) and repeals Article 4 (Urban Forest) of Chapter 4 (Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services); the other, Ordinance No. 26-30, creates a new Article 9 (Urban Forest) in Chapter 3 (Public Property and Public Works) with penalties for violations.
Where it stands: Both passed first reading 8-0-1-0 on July 14, 2026 (Rainey Jr. absent). Later readings are not in this record.

Matthew Puckett, City Forester, presented both ordinances and gave an overview of the recodification and enforcement adjustments. No comments from Council.
Letters of support from several neighborhood, environmental and forestry groups were attached to the file.
Related public comment on July 14: a citizen spoke in favor of saving the trees along the creek in Monument Valley Park (not tied to these ordinances in the record).

Amend Article 1 and repeal Article 4: moved by Donelson, seconded by Casey; passed 8-0-1-0.
Create Article 9, Ordinance 26-30: moved by Henjum, seconded by Leinweber; passed 8-0-1-0.
Ayes: Casey, Crow-Iverson, Donelson, Gold, Henjum, Leinweber, Risley, Williams.

Matthew Puckett presented both ordinances (files 26-066 and 26-067): Forestry responsibilities, definitions, property owner duties, approved and non-approved tree lists, weed tree examples, enforcement and the street tree program. Letters of support from several neighborhood and community groups were attached.
Henjum asked about staffing (Forestry would need four times its current staff to meet industry standards), the ash borer's effect on City trees (Puckett to provide information), awareness of the right-of-way planting permit (about 50 percent of residents), where Siberian elms grow (all over the City) and care after freeze or drought (two inches of organic hardwood mulch and supplemental watering).
Casey asked about reaching homeowners associations with common-area trees (staff can). Leinweber asked about trees falling on utilities in storms (the City remains responsible; those trees are grandfathered). Williams asked about contractors (used for planned projects; staff handle reactive work).
Source: 2026-05-11 - City Council Work Session, minutes: https://legistar2.granicus.com/coloradosprings/meetings/2026/5/2782_M_City_Council_Work_Session_26-05-11_Meeting_Minutes.pdf

New Business items 10.B and 10.C; both approved on first reading 8-0-1-0.

Introduced (items 8.E and 8.F); questions on staffing, ash beetle, permits and tree care.