Glen Ellyn OKs tree preservation law
Glen Ellyn's village board narrowly approved a revised private tree preservation ordinance Monday, despite some trustees expressing concerns that the rules hinder property rights.
Currently, property owners doing construction projects in town are required to submit tree preservation plans to the village identifying trees that will be preserved on site. But under rules approved 4-3 by the board, once a plan is submitted, the property owner can't make changes to it, and the village forester has to give approval for any protected trees to be removed.
That's just one part of the private tree preservation ordinance, but it was a key portion that led to disagreement among trustees. Village President Mark Pfefferman cast the tiebreaking vote to approve the revised ordinance, first adopted in 1998.
Trustee Pete Ladesic said he doesn't support any legislation that would “erode” private property owners' rights.
And Trustee Diane McGinley said she thinks property owners should be able to amend tree preservation plans after construction has begun.
But more restrictive “clear cutting” provisions that could regulate tree removals in rear yard setbacks were kept out of the ordinance. Village staff will be drafting a separate ordinance for the board to consider, but even some of the trustees who approved revisions Monday said they'd be reluctant to support additional rules.
The ordinance, as approved, also includes a provision that the village provide notice to neighbors about new construction projects that may affect trees. The public would be able to view the property owner's tree preservation plan at village hall.
Also Monday, the board unanimously approved a public tree preservation ordinance and village arboricultural manual, which updates standards, officials say.