HB549
Trees; conservation and replacement during development process.
Status:
In House
Latest Action:
Jan. 28, 2026
House: Placed on Counties, Cities and Towns Agenda
Chief Patron:
Patrick Hope (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Conservation and replacement of trees during development process.
Expands certain existing local government authority to conserve or replace trees during the development process by expanding such authority statewide. The bill changes from 20 years to 10 years the time in which certain tree canopy or cover percentages should be met at the development site. The bill allows localities ... (More) to establish higher tree canopy replacement percentages based on density per acre, lot size, or any other measurement relevant to the practices of the locality to achieve MS4 stormwater nutrient reductions, mitigate urban heat islands, increase resilience to climate change, including reducing coastal and inland flooding, and mitigate air pollution. The bill also alters the current process for granting exceptions to a local ordinance for conserving or replacing trees during the development process under certain circumstances by replacing it with a requirement that the locality concur that such circumstances are applicable. The bill makes numerous technical amendments. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/13/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102406D
- 01/13/2026 - House: Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- 01/22/2026 - House: Placed on Counties, Cities and Towns Agenda
- 01/28/2026 - House: Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #3
- 01/28/2026 - House: Placed on Counties, Cities and Towns Agenda
