Tree coverage requirements.
Richmond, Va., City Code § 30-710.15
in effectSec. 30-710.15. - Tree coverage requirements.
Parking areas and parking lots containing 30 or more parking spaces and parking areas containing five or more parking spaces serving uses with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels shall be improved and maintained with trees in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(1) Determining projected tree coverage. Projected tree coverage shall be determined in accordance with the City of Richmond Tree Canopy Chart which shall be adopted by resolution of the Planning Commission. Other tree species and larger trees not shown on the tree canopy chart may be given credit toward the tree coverage requirement when supporting data adequate to determine coverage is submitted to and accepted by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Minimum projected tree coverage. Trees shall be planted or existing trees shall be retained so as to provide a projected tree coverage at ten years from the date of plan approval as determined by the following formulas:
a. A parking area serving a use other than a use with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels, or a parking lot, shall have a projected tree coverage area equivalent to not less than 30 square feet for each parking space contained in the parking area or parking lot.
b. A parking area serving a use with drive-up facilities or facilities for dispensing motor fuels shall have a projected tree coverage area equivalent to not less than 40 square feet for each parking space contained in the parking area.
(3) Minimum tree sizes. Trees to be credited toward the tree coverage requirement shall meet the following standards at the time of installation:
a. Deciduous trees shall have a caliper of not less than 2½ inches measured six inches above the ground.
b. Evergreen trees shall be not less than six feet in height.
(4) Location of trees to be credited. As shown below, trees to be credited toward the tree coverage requirement may be located:
a. Within landscaped islands meeting the requirements of Section 32-710.14;
b. Between the area devoted to parking and a building on the same site, or between the area devoted to parking and a side or rear property line, provided such trees are located within ten feet of the area devoted to parking; or
c. Within that portion of a perimeter buffer lying within ten feet of the area devoted to parking, provided that trees required to meet perimeter buffer requirements shall not be credited toward the tree coverage requirement.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Location of Trees
(5) Retention of existing trees. Healthy existing trees to be retained may be credited toward the tree coverage requirement when such trees are located as specified in Subsection (4) of this section, are shown on approved plans, and are adequately protected during construction.
(Code 1993, § 32-710.15; Code 2004, § 114-710.15; Code 2015, § 30-710.15; Code 2020, § 30-710.15; Ord. No. 2004-180-167, § 1, 6-28-2004)
Source: City of Richmond, Virginia, Code (2026 recodification) and Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/va/richmond/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH30ZO_ARTVIIOREPALORE_DIV2.1OREPAIMRELAST_S30-710.15TRCOREFetched: 11/8/2026