Tree replacement in the Town of Colonie is imposed through Planning Board conditions on subdivision and site-plan approvals under Chapter 177 (Trees) and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use), rather than through a standalone tree-replacement ordinance. The Planning Board may require replacement plantings, designate species (drawn from native or proven non-invasive lists), specify caliper and survivability terms, and condition Certificate of Occupancy on installation. The Conservation Advisory Council recommends replacement species during plan review. Right-of-way replacements are coordinated with the Department of Public Works.
Colonie's tree-replacement framework operates through Planning Board conditions imposed during subdivision and site-plan review under Chapter 177 (Trees) (https://ecode360.com/13241663) and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use) (https://ecode360.com/13241671). The Code does not impose a fixed numeric replacement ratio town-wide; instead, the Planning Board reviews each application's tree inventory and may require replacement plantings as a condition of approval, taking into account: the number, species, and diameter of removed trees; the developed environment; stormwater and erosion-control needs; and recommendations from the Conservation Advisory Council (https://www.colonie.org/boards/cac/) following its site-visit and landscape-plan review. Common Capital-Region practice in municipalities of Colonie's size applies a sliding-scale replacement based on diameter at breast height (DBH) - typically 1:1 for small-caliper trees, 2:1 for mid-size, and 3:1 for mature specimens - with replacement caliper of 2 to 2.5 inches and a one- to two-year survivability warranty backed by a surety bond or landscape bond held until inspection acceptance. Species are typically drawn from native or proven non-invasive lists appropriate to USDA Hardiness Zone 5b-6a (oaks, maples, serviceberry, hackberry, river birch, and disease-resistant elm cultivars). Right-of-way replacement trees are coordinated with the Department of Public Works. Site-development projects disturbing one acre or more must also comply with NYS DEC SPDES GP-0-20-001 erosion-and-sediment-control requirements under 6 NYCRR Part 750 administered through the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Town's annual Tree and Shrub Giveaway at the Pruyn House supports voluntary native plantings beyond regulated replacement.
Failure to install required replacement trees within the time specified in the Planning Board approval is a violation of Chapter 177 and the conditions of the approved subdivision or site plan under Chapter 190. The Town may withhold Certificate of Occupancy on related construction, draw on a posted landscape or survivability bond to install replacements, and pursue the Town Code's general violation penalties. Survivability-bond forfeiture covers replanting if trees die within the warranty period. Failure to comply with related NYS DEC stormwater requirements under 6 NYCRR Part 750 triggers separate state enforcement.
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