From: Ellen Rogalin, Clackamas County Department of Transportation & Development, 503-742-4274 or ellenrog@co.clackamas.or.us

07-13-10

After hearing additional testimony about the Clackamas County proposed tree ordinance, June 28 the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners directed staff to draft a “narrowly drawn”  ordinance.  The Board also agreed to continue the public hearing, for deliberation and decision only, until 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 8. 

The hearing, which had been continued from June 8, began with testimony from people who had signed up to speak, but did not get the chance at the earlier meeting.

After hearing the testimony and deliberating, the Board unanimously approved a motion by Commissioner Charlotte Lehan to ask staff to return with a “narrowly drawn and very specific ordinance” that includes the following provisions: 

• The ordinance applies only to urban unincorporated areas of the County

• Limits on excessive tree removal in anticipation of development, and a five-year development moratorium

• Development will not be denied because of the existence of trees; some or all trees may ultimately be removed on a development site, but only after approval of the development application.