Board approves removal of cedars at Oystercatcher Circle, conditions replacement if house not built

The Planning & Zoning Board voted April 2 to permit the removal of cedars at a lot on Oystercatcher Circle in Conservation Overlay Zone 3, subject to a condition that 10 replacement cedars be planted if the house that motivates the removal is not constructed.

Staff said the applicant had previously been asked to provide an arborist‑approved landscaping plan; the applicant added 10 replacement red cedars to the plan and supplied an arborist report. The board heard public comment urging the two related items — the tree removal and a variance for lot coverage — be heard together so neighbors can see the full scope of development; staff explained the variance could not be considered because it had not been correctly advertised.

Board member Mike Davis moved to approve removal of the cedars provided the 10 replacement trees are required back if the house is not built; the applicant agreed to that condition on the record. The motion carried unanimously.

Board members and staff discussed enforcement and the recorded development order that requires 10 cedar trees per lot; staff said development order conditions remain enforceable and that a condition could be placed on the conservation overlay approval to ensure replacement if site work precedes final building approvals.