Proposed Amendments to Chapter 12 (Tree Conservation) of the Public Facilities Manual (PFM)
On June 9, 2026, the Board of Supervisors (Board) authorized public hearings on amendments to the PFM before the Planning Commission on July 22, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. and before the Board on August 25, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
The proposed amendments include minor editorial changes in Chapter 12 of the PFM to align it with Zoning Ordinance Amendment 112.2-2024-4, which modified and added various landscaping and screening requirements in Section 5108 of the Zoning Ordinance. The amendment also updates the tree species and traits in Table 12.14 to include more native, environmentally tolerant, and commonly available tree species, eliminates species which are not recommended, and updates allowable canopy credit multipliers. The table will now reflect species which are best suited to combat the effects of climate change and have a greater likelihood of surviving. The species specified in Table 12.14 are provided as a guide for developers when deciding which trees to include on development plans to receive canopy credit requirements.
For detailed information on the proposed amendment, visit Land Development Services webpage for Public Facilities Manual and County Code Amendments.
The proposed effective date is August 26, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
- These changes will apply to Tree Conservation Plans, including revisions, submitted and accepted for review as part of a Site Plan, Minor Site Plan, Subdivision Plan, Subdivision Grading Plan, Infill Lot Grading Plan, Public Improvement Plan, Conservation Plan, or Rough Grading Plan on or after the effective date.
Tree Conservation Plans, including revisions, submitted and accepted for review prior to the effective date can continue to use the pre-August 26, 2026, PFM, Chapter 12, if the plan is approved before December 31, 2026.
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