Bill > SB589

This bill modifies Virginia law regarding tree conservation during land development, specifically for localities within Planning District 8 (Northern Virginia) that are considered "eight-hour nonattainment areas" for air quality standards, meaning they don't meet federal air quality targets for ozone. The key change is that these localities can now require that new developments preserve or replace trees so that the minimum tree canopy, or tree cover, is projected to meet specific percentages 10 years after development, rather than the current 20 years. "Tree canopy" or "tree cover" is defined to include areas covered by plants over five feet tall and the projected coverage of planted trees at maturity. The bill also makes several technical amendments and clarifies definitions within existing tree conservation statutes, and mandates a work group to review these laws and provide recommendations for improving tree canopy conservation and replacement by November 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB589