What: Updates to the City's tree and landscape regulations, including a proposed Land Development Code amendment.
Where it stands: Discussed on the Planning Board agenda of 2026-09-08; a proposed amendment is on the 2026-10-20 agenda. Outcomes are unknown. The 2026-11-09 Agenda Conference previewed Ordinance 16-26 first reading with a public hearing on November 12.
Video: unanimous recommendation to City Council, with the Darlington oak removed from the protected list; changes since the last board meeting included a $50,000 trust fund threshold and no residential cap for demolition and redevelopment. Council first hearing November 12.
Speakers and several members sought stronger tree protections in the Land Development Code, including the $1,500 residential penalty cap; the City Attorney advised against dais amendments.
Public hearing (26-1119, November 12) and first reading of Ordinance 16-26 amending Land Development Code chapters 12-2, 12-3 and 12-8 (26-1120): residential mitigation caps, inch-for-inch replacement, revised mitigation fees, tree protection barriers and Tree Planting Trust Fund uses. Sponsors: Mayor D.C. Reeves, Jared Moore and Delarian Wiggins.