The City of Whitehall’s zoning code includes a section dedicated to landscaping, much like most cities. Chapter 1130 details street tree requirements, landscape materials, landscape permits, and more. In this chapter of the zoning code, there is opportunity to improve sustainability. This page explores some of the amendments that can be made to this chapter in order to create more sustainable landscaping in Whitehall.
Idea
What is landscaping?
Landscaping is defined in Whitehall’s zoning code as the use of trees, shrubs, grass, ground covers, and other plant materials. It can be regulated in a community by defining who must obtain landscape permits, create landscape plans, preserve trees, and the specific guidelines, materials, plants, and procedures for the described actions. By making changes in the the landscape code, Whitehall can have an active role in enforcing a sustainable future.
What does the zoning for landscaping and tree canopy look like now?
At present, the landscaping section for Whitehall’s zoning code includes 10 sections: Purpose, Definitions, Landscape permit required, Administration, Tree preservation, Street tree requirements, Perimeter requirements, Interior requirements, Landscape materials, and Undesirable species.
Whitehall’s tree canopy is healthy in some areas, but could be improved in others, especially along Main Street and Broad Street in order to accomplish Whitehall’s stated purpose in subsection (e) of chapter 1130.01 to “promote the landscaping of major street and highway corridors within the city.” There are efforts through the Parks and Recreation Department to plant and replace trees, as seen in early 2017 when $5,000 was allocated to tree planting in John Bishop Park.
RECOMMENDATION
What changes can be made to the zoning code?
In subsection (b) of chapter 1130.10, a “Recommended plant list” is mentioned for the city that does not currently exist. Such a list should be compiled in order to guide landscape actions toward public green space that is visually appealing, cleans and filters water, protects residents from heat, and can thrive in Whitehall’s climate. For this task, Whitehall may consultant arborist in order to have the most informed document possible. Some local municipalities, such as Upper Arlington, already have recommended plant list that can be referenced when creating one for Whitehall.
In the same section described above, the code asserts that “planting and maintaining a diverse urban forest is the goal of Whitehall’s tree programs.” An effective method to achieving this goal would be to join Tree City USA. This is a change that wouldn’t find itself in the zoning code, but would help move the city toward this stated goal and help the city develop a more comprehensive strategy to maintaining a healthy tree canopy.
To apply to join Tree City USA, four main requirements must be fulfilled
- Create a Tree Commission
- Amend a Tree Care Ordinance
- Appropriate a Budget
- Observe and host Proclamation of Arbor Day
A lasting Tree Commission should be supported by the public before being approved by the City Council, since any variation of city employees, elected officials, or community volunteers can serve. Volunteers can learn about how to become an effective Tree Commissioner at the Tree Commissioner Academy at the Ohio Division of Forestry. In some cases, it is beneficial to combine a Design Board with a Tree Commission in order to combine numerous municipal processes.
A tree care ordinance should protect and maintain municipal trees. Tree City USA possesses a guide on how to form an effective city code.
The budget for Tree City USA requires that at least $2 per capita be spent on qualifying expenses, including tree purchases, city employee salary, volunteer hours, and more.
Proclaiming and observing Arbor Day may be the easiest and enjoyable of the four requirements. Celebrations can be found throughout central Ohio that use the event as an educational opportunity and community event to plant trees, award ceremony, or simply host tree care activities.
Connections to Other Plans
This idea potentially addresses the following elements of the MORPC Regional Sustainability Agenda:
| Element | Description | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | Reduce per capita energy consumption across all sectors | More healthy trees can reduce the urban heat island effect. |
| 2.6 | Improve water quality in the Upper Scioto Watershed. | More healthy trees can help filter water in the soil and improve the quality of water runoff. |
| 4.1 | Encourage MORPC member communities to adopt complete streets policies or policies that contain those elements. | Trees can be used as a tool in street design, such as helping pedestrians feel more comfortable on sidewalks by acting as a barrier from vehicles. |