MCA Passes Resolution on Conservation of Trees, Public Notice on Infill Lot Grading Plan
The MCA Board approved a Resolution on Conservation of Trees, Public Notice on Infill Lot Grading Plan on July 7, 2021 (Resolution on Public Notice re Tree Preservation). The Resolution seeks to promote awareness among community participants about the potential impacts on tree canopy and grading plans, and deviations from practices designed to optimize tree preservation, resulting from infill development so that they may have an opportunity to comment in a timely manner.
The Resolution recommends the following:
- That the Board of Supervisors (BOS) require Public Notice pursuant to Title 15.2 Chapter 961.2 of the Code of Virginia be sent by email notification, if available, to all individuals and County Community Associations who request it from Land Development Services (LDS) when a grading plan has been submitted for an infill development.
- That the notifications be sent immediately following approval by the BOS (rather than following a delay) so that community stakeholders may understand the consequences of these plans while there is sufficient time to comment,
- That LDS Technical Bulletin –Tree Preservation Target Deviation Submission No.: 21-01 dated January 8, 2021, be amended immediately to require all persons requesting a “deviation” from LDS Tree Preservation Target requirements (that are designed to optimize the preservation of structurally sound, healthy, and functional trees and forested areas) to (1) place prominent and readily visible signs on its property regarding the proposed grading plan at the time the deviation is requested, and (2) give notice electronically, for instance, via email, if available, or an appropriately targeted neighborhood social media website (such as NextDoor); and by regular mail on such grading plan to all owners of property adjacent to or within a quarter mile of the property being graded; as well as to any individual or Community Association that has requested such a notification from LDS.