Having learned from a pair of recent controversies, the city of Atlanta is ready to study and draft a new tree ordinance.

"Plans for a new [Atlanta] tree ordinance are in the works in order to address problems with the current ordinance and make it easier to understand," reports Evelyn Andrews.
According to Department of City Planning Commissioner Tim Keane, quoted in the article, the new tree ordinance will "determine how to protect old-growth forest and tree canopy." The department "has put together a team of consultants and is working on funding for a 12-month study on what the new ordinance should encompass." The study will pick up where a 2014 effort to rewrite the ordinance, scrapped over concerns about a lack of public input, left off.
The new tree ordinance gained new relevance after the city allowed trees in Peachtree Hills Park to be cut down for the sake of a pipe requested by a developer. According to Keane, the current system allows developers, construction companies, and residents the easy route of paying the fee to cut down trees, rather than creating incentives to design with existing trees in place.
FULL STORY: Atlanta’s next tree ordinance will be simpler to understand, says city official

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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