There are several types of ordinances that can regulate the preservation, protection, and planting of trees. The ordinances accompanying this resource are for properties where some form of development has already taken place. These ordinances would not regulate undeveloped sites, large scale site improvements, or even potential teardowns.

An effective tree preservation ordinance is one that is based on an urban forest management plan (UFMP). However, many governmental entities do not have a plan in place. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative provides a three-tiered ordinance structure that allows your governmental entity a point to become engaged and opportunities to move to a higher level of ordinance as your time and resources permit.

About the Chicago Region Trees Initiative

The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) is a partnership for coordinated action on key issues facing trees. It is the largest such initiative in the country, with leading organizations and agencies from across the seven-county metropolitan region working together. CRTI is leveraging funding, knowledge, skills, and expertise to build a healthier, more diverse regional forest.