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Bill > HB995
VA HB995
VA HB995Trees; conservation of during land development process in Planning District 8 minimum tree canopy.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Conservation of trees during land development process; Planning District 8; minimum tree canopy or cover percentages requirements after development. Allows any locality within Planning District 8 belonging to an eight-hour nonattainment area for air quality standards to require, by ordinance, that a subdivision or development provide for the preservation or replacement of trees on the development site such that the minimum tree canopy or cover 10 years after development is projected to meet specified coverage criteria. Under current law, the criteria apply to tree canopy coverage 20 years after development. The bill also allows such localities to include in their tree canopy ordinance reasonable provisions preserving trees of outstanding age, size, species, beauty, or other special significance.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing law regarding tree conservation during land development in Planning District 8, specifically for localities within an eight-hour nonattainment area for air quality standards, meaning areas that do not meet federal air quality standards for ozone. Under the current law, these localities can require developers to preserve or replace trees so that a certain percentage of tree canopy, or tree cover, is achieved 20 years after development. This bill allows these localities to instead require that this minimum tree canopy or cover percentage be projected to be met just 10 years after development, potentially accelerating tree growth and canopy establishment. Additionally, the bill permits these localities to include provisions in their tree conservation ordinances to protect trees that are particularly old, large, rare, beautiful, or otherwise significant.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Incorporated by Counties, Cities and Towns (HB549-Hope) (Voice Vote) (on 02/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB995 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB995/text/HB995 |
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