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1. What environmental protection regulations apply to development in the Town of Bel Air? (Floodplain, Wetland, Forest Conservation, Streams & Steep Slopes

• The Town Development Regulations control development on environmentally sensitive areas including floodplains, stream courses, wetlands, steep slopes and woodlands. Floodplain regulations restrict development in 100-year floodplain areas as delineated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Any development in floodplain areas requires flood proofing. Streams that are not subject to floodplain regulations have minimum setback requirements.
• Wetlands are areas that have a predominance of hydric soils and are determined by standards set by the Army Corps of Engineers. Development in any delineated wetland is subject to permit restrictions by the Corps and state mandated setbacks. Steep sloped lands (defined by slopes in excess of 25%) are not considered buildable.
• The town requires documentation of specimen tree removal on all properties. Removal of individual trees in excess of ten inches at DBH (diameter at breast height) during small lot (<40,000 square feet) development is subject to replacement or a fee-in-lieu. The development of lots in excess of 40,000 square feet is subject to the town’s Forest Conservation Ordinance which closely mirrors the state’s model Forest Conservation Ordinance.

2. What is the Tree Committee and what are its responsibilities?

The Town Tree Committee is a five-member board that works with local and state agencies to develop roadside tree removal and replacement plans, reviews landscape plans for public projects and addresses tree-related concerns expressed by area residents and business owners.

3. How do you report tree related concerns?

Removal requests for trees located in the public right-of-way can be forwarded to the Town Department of Planning or Public Works.