Islanders who want to learn more about the city of Bainbridge Island’s new tree regulations can get details on the new rules at a public meeting on Monday, Nov. 19.

The tree-preservation rules become effective Monday, Dec. 3. A public meeting to explain and answer questions about the new regulations is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 at city hall.

Officials said that in an effort to preserve trees, the city council approved new tree retention and tree removal permit regulations at the city council meeting Oct. 23.

The changes come out of a multi-year review of tree and landscaping regulations recommended by the Tree & Low Impact Development Ad Hoc Committee, officials noted. The new rules impact owners of residential properties for lands that are zoned R-2.9, R-3.5 and R-4.3.

Big changes in the rules include renaming clearing permits to “Tree Removal/Vegetation Maintenance Permit.”

For properties that are 1 acre or less in size, a tree removal permit will be needed to remove four or more significant trees (previously, a permit was required to remove seven or more significant trees).

The regulations also change the time period from 12 months to 36 months for the removal of significant trees without a permit. For most properties, if the property is more than an acre in size, officials say the owner can only remove up to six significant trees without a permit every three years.

New tree retention requirements have also been adopted for all single family residential properties in the R-2.9, R-3.5 or R-4.3 zones; the new retention requirement is 30 tree units per acre. Property owners in these zones should check with city staff prior to removing any trees on their property to ensure that they remain in compliance with the new regulations. If trees are removed, replanting may be required.

Planning & Community Development Department staff will also be doing new tree regulations outreach during the ferry commute on the M/V Tacoma on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Residents who have questions about the new rules can contact senior planner Jennifer Sutton at 206-780-3772 or email pcd@bainbridgewa.gov.