Influence Developers

First steps

  • Talk directly to developers early and throughout a project to pursue some positive outcomes for trees and neighbors. Some sample letters can provide ideas on how to get started. You will need to craft your letter to your specific circumstances and the parties involved.

  • The County has a web page that describes some ideas on How to Protect Your Trees When Your Neighbor is Developing Their Lot.

  • Questions to ask the Forester and the Department of Environmental Services about a private development plan.

    • Can you provide a copy of the Tree Protection Plan?

    • Are any trees in the highly regulated Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas (RPA)? Can this limit development decisions?

    • Are there any designated specimen trees? Are there any champion/notable trees? Owner/developer can cut these, but the designation opens conversation of their recognized value.

    • Are any portions of the trees on county property? Street trees are supposed to be protected to the maximum extent possible.

    • Will the development affect tree roots of neighboring property trees?

    • Will the development create stormwater runoff problems? Can trees be preserved in order to meet the requirements?

    • Can I have an Urban Forester Inspect the construction?

    • Request County Service - It is also possible to request County Service through the website https://arlingtonva.qscend.com/311/request/add. It walks you through a process – 1) your location, 2) Type of Issue - select Tree Inspection/Maintenance from the drop down menu , 3) add your comments/photos/files, and 4) provide your contact information. To receive updates on your request they ask that you create an account, but this is not necessary.

Advanced steps

  • Check the zoning requirements for the site being developed. Check the setback and other requirements for that zoning class or request a zoning inspection go to the County website zoning enforcement page.

  • Check to see if the developer has requested a variance from the zoning requirements through the Zoning Appeals Board. If so, see when the appeal is to be heard and make verbal or written comments.

  • Talk directly to developer about the zoning status of the site.

  • Check the permit requirements for the project and their status. Of particular interest may the the Land Disturbance/Stormwater permit page on the County website.

Example: Steps that worked for saving the oak tree at Nottingham & N 27th St:

  • Get involved before a lot is sold, e.g. talk to listed realtor and express concern about the fate of trees on lot when sold to developer, which realtor may or may not pass along to developer.

  • Canvass neighborhood to see how wide and deep support is among neighbors to advocate for tree(s) and their benefits. A petition could be conducted online and/or door-to-door. One example of an online petition is provided.

  • Identify buyer/builder as soon as possible after sale - sales are public record, and developer also must put up sign on lot, or you may get this information from realtor.

  • Contact builder as early as possible before they have a general plan for the house.

  • Respectfully express the neighborhood’s desire that trees be preserved presenting evidence in petitions, etc.

  • Discuss the benefits with the builder such as saving money from not cutting trees and from requiring less tree planting to meet tree canopy requirement, greater neighborhood goodwill/support, better stormwater management, amazing presentation of house with tree as highlight and selling point, landscape beauty, energy saving, air quality, and wildlife and climate change benefits, etc.

  • Get Arlington tree folks involved, if possible or applicable: ATAG, Tree Stewards, Forest and Natural Resources Commission, etc.

    Source: Washington Post