The March 25th City Council Meeting (tomorrow) will hold the first public hearing regarding a tree ordinance in the City of Ridgefield that would update the housing code. We would like to influence the City to adopt a bold tree ordinance in the residential housing code that will require landscaping at time of development to include trees because of their benefits to the environment.
How can you help? Send an email to the city clerk in support of such a Tree Ordinance before 3:00pm tomorrow. This will allow your email to be distributed to the City Councilors and become part of the public record. If you can perhaps solicit like-minded Ridgefielders in your personal network to do the same, it would be a great help! For public hearings the City Clerk’s office is responsible for the emails, so no need to email specific councilors.
Written comments may be submitted to the City Clerk via email julie.ferriss@ridgefieldwa.us or be placed in the drop box in front of City Hall no later than 3PM on the day of the scheduled City Council meeting. Comments will be compiled and provided to the City Council and necessary City staff.
Some details from the City:
The City does not currently have a tree ordinance pertaining to new developments. There are requirements in RDC 18.725 including a total landscape coverage of 50% for low density developments and 25% for medium density developments.
We are currently working on housing code updates that would, among other things, require trees to be planted on individual residential lots at the time of development. Those proposed code updates will go to City Council for a public hearing on March 25. If you are interested in attending, the meeting information will be here the week of the meeting:
https://ridgefieldwa.us/government/city-departments/city-council/
Please adopt a tree ordinance for new development. Many trees are removed for construction. Trees add oxygen back into the air and are good for the environment. The natural beauty is what draws many people to our area. Please use native species as they are best adapted to this area. During our global warming crisis this us one way to help and keep your area beautiful. Thank you for your consideration.