During a recent meeting of the Highlands Planning and Zoning Commission, significant discussions centered around a tree mitigation plan associated with a new housing development. The plan outlines the removal of 112 trees from the property, leaving 35 trees intact. The trees slated for removal are primarily located within right-of-way easements, building pads, or are affected by grading and retaining walls necessary for construction.

The developer is required to plant two magnolia trees in the front yard of each new home before receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). This initiative aims to enhance the landscaping of the development, which will ultimately feature a total of 85 trees once the new plantings are accounted for. The remaining trees are primarily located along the western boundary of the property, with some areas noted to have dead trees and brush.

City staff and engineers have reviewed the application and confirmed that it complies with the city’s subdivision regulations and Planned Development (PD) ordinance. This compliance is crucial as it ensures that the development meets local standards for drainage, utilities, and environmental considerations.

The meeting also touched on the size of the new homes, with discussions indicating that the average footprint will range from 1,600 to 1,800 square feet. While these sizes are generally smaller than surrounding homes, there has been considerable interest in these smaller models, suggesting a demand for more affordable housing options in the area.

Concerns were raised regarding the placement of the new trees, particularly to ensure they do not interfere with easements. The ordinance mandates that the two magnolia trees must remain in place, preventing homeowners from modifying or removing them.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the balance between development and environmental stewardship, as the commission navigates the challenges of urban growth while maintaining community standards and aesthetics. The next steps will involve monitoring the implementation of the tree mitigation plan and ensuring compliance with the established regulations as construction progresses.