York County Council identified a need to mitigate the extensive loss of tree canopy within large scale residential developments. Planning staff presented policy alternatives to Council to address this concern which included: improved open space standards, clarification of tree preservation requirements, and the introduction of cluster subdivisions. In December, the Planning Commission recommended approval of an ordinance to amend both the zoning and subdivision codes that implement these policies. County Council adopted the ordinance on February 1, 2021.
Open Space Ordinance - Exhibit A