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An ordinance to amend Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, to amend Chapters 17.04 and 17.28.065, Pertaining to Trees, all of which is described herein (Proposal No. 2024Z-019TX-001).
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WHEREAS, tree protection during construction prevents soil compaction, that causes loss of air and water availability to roots, and reduces tree mortality; and
WHEREAS, NashvilleNext encourages the retention and expansion of the existing urban tree canopy cover; and
WHEREAS, current industry standard related toward protection of trees during construction utilizes critical root zone rather than dripline; and
WHEREAS, other local governments within Tennessee including Chattanooga, Franklin, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Williamson County require a critical root zone to determine the area required for tree protection during construction; and
WHEREAS, peer cities such as Denver, CO, Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC require critical root zone to determine the area required for tree protection during construction; and
WHEREAS, established trees provide benefits to native wildlife, reduction in stormwater runoff, reduce the urban heat island effect, and aid in air purification.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Section 17.04.060 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is amended by adding the following definitions in alphabetical order:
"Critical root zone" (CRZ) means the area of soil around a tree where the minimum area of roots considered critical to the structural stability and health of the tree are located. The CRZ is to be determined by measuring one foot per each inch of tree diameter at breast height, with a minimum of ten feet.
"Structural root zone" (SRZ) means the area of soil around a tree where the minimum area of roots required to maintain the structural stability of the tree ar...
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