Commissioners received an update on ongoing work to develop a tree-preservation approach for Needham that would use property setbacks to protect root zones and clarified links with a recently approved stormwater regulation.

Commissioner Clary described the goal as protecting tree root zones along setbacks so future construction does not inadvertently damage trees that provide canopy and ecological benefits. “What we're looking to preserve is to utilize the setbacks of the property to ensure that trees are protected from future disturbance,” Clary said.

Staff noted that the town’s recently adopted stormwater regulation includes a requirement that three replacement trees be planted when a new drywell is installed; that requirement is in the town’s stormwater regulations rather than in the zoning bylaw and is slated for implementation through select-board review of regulations. Commissioners asked about the timeline and were told the group hopes to hold a public comment meeting on draft tree-preservation language in November and to circulate an implementation schedule to the commission.

The commission agreed the approach should allow property owners to build while also retaining a protected “tree yard” within setbacks where construction impacts to roots would be limited.