Summerville’s town council approved first reading on Dec. 11 of proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance that clarify tree removal, encroachment and mitigation requirements and respond to recommendations in the town’s Urban Forest Master Plan.

Danny Burbage, a member of the town’s Tree Protection Board, urged council to approve the amendments and said the board had worked closely with planning staff and Councilman Halter to refine the language. "We worked through the ordinance and the workshop typesetting," Burbage said, and the board supports the revisions as balanced protections for the town’s canopy.

During discussion a council member praised the committee process and thanked Councilman Halter for leading the effort. Council moved and seconded the first reading and the ayes carried on a voice vote.

What’s next: The ordinance was approved on first reading and will return for subsequent readings and enactment per the town’s ordinance process.