1. Conservation Statute Amendment
Arlington County Government
Vincent Verweij, Urban Forest Manager July 18, 2019

2. Overview Two major tree conservation statutes
– Replacement of trees during development – major components enacted 2003
– Conservation of trees during development – enacted 2008
Both statutes require percentage tree canopy cover
Only one statute can be adopted by a locality
Replacement statute currently adopted by some jurisdictions throughout Virginia
Conservation statute only applies to PD8; adopted by Fairfax County
Proposal to amend conservation statute to address desires of a wide range of communities
Improves tree conservation and consistency across the State
Beginning of a process to explore improving tree conservation in a wide range of communities in Virginia Bay
We've seen a significant increase in development and housing pressures in Arlington County, and are seeking constructive solutions to the impact to our tree canopy and environment.
Arlington is a small county, with very small lots. Development is squeezing out green space and trees, and better tools are needed for tree conservation.
Initial conversations with building community shows interest in helping with this, conceptually. Andrew Clarke (HBAV)/ Steve Marku (NVBIA)
Two major tree conservation statutes that address issues in different ways, and we are looking to amend the conservation statute.

3. Conservation Statutes
Replacement statute Requires minimum tree canopy coverage through preservation and/or planting
Conservation statute
Requires minimum tree canopy coverage through conservation of existing percentage of trees, and planting to make up the difference
Exceptions to conservation requirements require administrative process

4. Recommendation
Amend conservation statute to be more widely applicable:
Provide more flexibility to provide options on smaller lots to plant vs. conserve (suggest lots under 10,000 sq. ft.), to avoid frequent, time-intensive exception process, while still allowing for preservation on larger lots.
Expand application beyond Planning District 8 
Permit high density (>75 people/sq. mi.) jurisdictions to adopt, instead of tying to stormwater or ozone
Provide credits for maximizing tree preservation, over planting