Urban Forest Action Plan
Citywide plan to guide tree preservation and planting on public and private land; adopted 7-0 on Feb. 21, 2023, and to inform a future zoning amendment on trees.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Public project
- Location
- Citywide
Every hearing and vote
September 7, 2021 · City Council work session
Urban Forest Action Plan and zoning amendment
Discussed
Planning staff presented the plan to treat the urban forest as public infrastructure, with findings that wealthier neighborhoods have more tree canopy than low-income areas and warmer surface temperatures in formerly redlined districts. Council Member Dugan raised the added cost of suspended pavement technology for developers; staff said incentives and optional use were planned. Council Member Wharton asked for more on trees and crime reduction, and Council Member Rogers asked why it was an action plan rather than a master plan. Executive Director Cindy Gust-Jenson suggested standardizing plan names.
January 17, 2023 · City Council
Consent: public hearing dates set
Approved · 6-0
The Council set February 7, 2023 hearings on the rezone at about 704 East 900 South, the Rocky Mountain Power rezone at 1223 West North Temple, the ADU text amendment and a land exchange at 592 N. Riverside Drive for the Bridge to Backman project; set a February 21 hearing on the Urban Forest Action Plan; and set a March 7 hearing on landscape material (turf) limits. The Planning Commission forwarded a negative recommendation on the 704 East 900 South rezone, so no ordinance had been drafted. The Riverside Drive exchange would transfer open space for $0 to Riverwood Cove, LLC for another open space parcel of equal size, to enable a public park, outdoor classroom and a walking and biking connection to Backman Elementary and to resolve an encroachment.
January 17, 2023 · City Council work session
Adopting the Urban Forest Action Plan
Discussed
Staff briefed the Council on the final Urban Forest Action Plan, meant to guide the city's resources toward sustainability and equity goals and to inform a future zoning amendment on trees. They covered the public engagement process, plan strategies and staffing and cost, and noted that language on using impact fees for the plan was removed. Council Member Puy asked about a Council-funded tree care education effort; Urban Forestry Director Tony Gliot said a watering and education campaign would launch in spring 2023.
February 21, 2023 · City Council
Urban Forest Action Plan (public hearing)
Approved · 7-0
The Council adopted Ordinance 03 of 2023 adopting the final Urban Forest Action Plan, which guides the city's tree-related actions on sustainability and equity goals and will inform a future zoning amendment on trees. One resident thanked the Council for the plan.