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HB 549

Trees; conservation and replacement during development process in certain localities, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 8 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requiring developers to conserve existing trees and replant replacements during construction to preserve environmental benefits and urban tree canopy.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 549

Legislative bill overview

HB 549 establishes requirements for tree conservation and replacement during development projects in Virginia. The bill likely mandates that developers preserve existing trees where feasible and replant trees to offset those removed during construction, with specific standards for tree size, species, and location.

Why is this important

Trees provide measurable environmental benefits including stormwater management, air quality improvement, and urban heat island reduction. Development-driven deforestation significantly impacts these ecosystem services, particularly in growing communities. Clear conservation standards help balance development needs with environmental protection and can reduce long-term infrastructure costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Development cost impact: Stricter tree preservation requirements may increase project timelines and costs, potentially affecting housing affordability and project feasibility in economically sensitive areas
  • Enforcement and compliance: Determining appropriate tree size thresholds, species requirements, and replacement success metrics could create ambiguity in implementation and disputes between developers and municipalities
  • Local authority scope: The bill's relationship to existing local zoning codes and tree ordinances—particularly whether it establishes state minimums or supersedes local standards—affects jurisdictional authority and consistency across regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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