Think your Chapel Hill property tax is high? Homeowner costs will be higher if Town Council passes a new tree ordinance.
Chapel Hill proposes to require 40-60 percent of house lots, based on size, to have a permanent "tree canopy." You will need to pay for an arborist and a tree removal permit just to protect your home from potential damage from a falling dead or tall tree that sways a lot in high winds. You will have to pay a lot extra in money and meeting time to get a permit to add a deck or porch or to add a home garden.
Chapel Hill government should publish specifics of such proposals that will affect almost all residents. Go to www.townofchapelhill.org and enter tree ordinance in the search box, upper right. Go to the Town Council meeting Monday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. to defend your right to the quiet enjoyment of your own property.
Lynne Kane
Chapel Hill
