Holly Springs

The City has specified a minimum tree density requirement for all sites, except for-sale residential lots. This requirement mandates maintaining at least 20 units of trees per acre. The term ‘unit’ refers to basal area expression and is not equivalent to a tree. This minimum density must be met irrespective of the site having trees before the development. A developer must ensure this requirement is met by either retaining existing trees, planting new trees in adherence to the minimum standards prescribed by the Ordinance, or by combining both methods. The minimum density of trees should be calculated by using the formula and analysis set in Appendix B to this Ordinance. However, the calculation by the developer must exclude acreage required for buffers and infrastructure enhancements such as roads, utility lines, detention ponds, etc. Parking lots do not qualify as infrastructure enhancements.

Newly constructed for-sale residential lots must adhere to a minimum tree density requirement based on the maximum number of trees that can be preserved within 30% of the lot’s plantable area, given the size and separation standards established in this Ordinance. The density must be met whether or not the lot had trees before development. Calculating the density entails determining the lot size, deducting the impervious area, and assigning the required root zone for trees. All for-sale residential lots developed before the effective date of this Ordinance must meet the 20% minimum tree density requirement instead of the 30% required for new constructions.

The density of trees may be achieved by counting existing trees, planting new trees in adherence to the minimum standards of this Ordinance, or using both methods. Additionally, replanting must be done at a ratio of one overstory tree (minimum 2-inch caliper) for every three understory trees (minimum 1-inch caliper), and no more than 30% of any one genus should be included in any replanting plan.

Efforts must be made to save specimen trees, which may include alternative building designs, locations, parking area layouts, water retention locations, among others. Developers shall receive a density credit of two times the assigned unit value for each specimen tree saved by utilizing an alternate design. Specimen trees that cannot be saved must be replaced with trees with a total density equal to three times the unit value of the tree removed, with a minimum 4-inch tree caliper. Specimen trees removed without prior approval shall be replaced with trees equal to eight times the unit value with a minimum 4-inch tree caliper and subject to penalties as described in Section 18.19.

The Regulations intend to ensure that a minimum density of trees is maintained on all developed sites. However, some project sites may not bear the required density of trees. In such cases, two alternative compliance methods may be approved at the discretion of the Director, planting at a remote location or contributing to the City of Holly Springs Tree Replacement Fund. The Director must review and approve all requests for alternative compliance. No permit shall be issued until the request has been approved, and the necessary documents and funds have been received. If trees are to be planted at another location, the off-site location should be in the same area of the City as the project site, and a tree replacement plan meeting all applicable standards must be reviewed and approved by the City Manager or his designee. When the proposed development area is too dense to achieve the minimum site density factor reasonably, the development area shall be reduced by removing excess parking spaces, placing additional planting islands within the development area, or reducing the area to be occupied by buildings. If these methods are not feasible or effective, the developer may apply to participate in the Tree Replacement Fund. However, the development site must meet at least fifty percent (50%) of the required density before applying. The developer can contribute to the Tree Replacement Fund, up to fifty percent (50%) of the required density, based on the caliper size of trees according to the City of Holly Springs Municipal Services Master Fee Schedule.

To comply with the regulations, the developer must achieve 100% of the required density either on the development site or through a combination of providing density on the site and contributing to the Tree Replacement Fund. The funds from the Tree Replacement Fund may be utilized by the City to purchase and plant trees in public areas such as parks, green spaces, rights-of-way, and government buildings.