An Ordinance Amending Title 7, Chapter 3 to Establish a Tree Preservation Permit Program

BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Harbor Ridge that Title 7, Chapter 3 of the Harbor Ridge Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a new Article IV, 'Tree Preservation,' as follows: § 304. Permit Required. No person shall remove, cause to be removed, or substantially damage any hardwood tree of twenty-four (24) inches diameter at breast height (DBH) or greater on private property within the City limits without first obtaining a Tree Preservation Permit issued by the Department of Public Works. § 305. Replacement Standards. Each permitted removal shall require the planting of two (2) replacement hardwood trees of two (2) inch caliper minimum, on the same property where feasible, or in a designated City right-of-way. § 306. Penalties. Violations shall be subject to a civil penalty of $500 per tree, in addition to required replacement plantings.

Each reading is a separate vote on the public record.

1. First readingFeb 25, 2026 · 8:10 PMpassed

   Discussion of DBH threshold; Council Member Liu suggested 24″ aligns with state model code.

   Motion. Motion to advance Ordinance 2026-001 to second reading.

   Moved: Grace LiuSeconded: William Okafor

   5 YeaPassed

   • Grace Liu· Vice MayorYea
   • Terrence Blake· Council Member, Ward 3Yea
   • William Okafor· Council Member, Ward 1Yea
   • Elena Moraga· Council Member, Ward 2Yea
   • June Abernathy· Council Member, At-LargeYea
2. Second readingMar 18, 2026 · 8:30 PMpassed

   Motion. Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-001 on second reading.

   Moved: Grace LiuSeconded: June Abernathy

   4 Yea1 AbstainPassed

   • Grace Liu· Vice MayorYea
   • Terrence Blake· Council Member, Ward 3Abstain
   • William Okafor· Council Member, Ward 1Yea
   • Elena Moraga· Council Member, Ward 2Yea
   • June Abernathy· Council Member, At-LargeYea