Title
Presentation on proposed text amendments to the Lake County, Illinois Code of Ordinances to increase the planting and protection of native tree and plant species in unincorporated Lake County.
Staff Summary
• In 2022, the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee directed staff to draft proposed ordinance amendments including: modifying the Plant Materials list to remove invasive or disease-affected trees; adding trees that are either native or adapted to future climate conditions; reducing required minimum plant caliper width; and increasing species mix limits to ensure more biodiverse and resilient plantings.
• To help determine the feasibility of any corresponding amendments, Planning Building & Development staff sought assistance from Openlands to conduct a market study regarding the local supply, costs, and any limitations and opportunities to utilize more local native plant materials.
• In reintroducing the native tree topic to the PBZ&E Committee, staff has invited Openlands to present their research findings to the Committee. Following the Openlands presentation, staff will highlight corresponding amendment concepts prior to presenting detailed draft amendments at a subsequent Committee meeting.