Forest Conservation Standards and Fee Updates

Spoke on behalf of the Federal County Land Use Council supporting forestation but objecting to the 5-year maintenance period and removal of guarantee reductions, citing increased housing costs.

An ISA certified arborist representing Rogers Consulting and MBIA argued that 2 years is standard for tree root establishment and warned that cumulative regulatory changes price families out of homes.

The executive officer of the Frederick County Building Industry Association pointed out that Montgomery County's 5-year rule created negative ripple effects on affordable housing carrying costs and suggested a 3-year compromise.