CONSERVATION-HOUSING DEVELOP

Creates the Conservation Housing Development Act. Provides that a person seeking to construct a new housing development, if the plan includes the removal of trees, shall apply to the Department of Natural Resources for approval before construction may begin. Provides that the Department may forward the request to a unit of local government to enforce the Act on its behalf. Provides that the Department, or if the Department has granted authority to a unit of local government, shall approve a request for tree removal if: (1) the trees are diseased, infested with pests, or have been seriously damaged by fire, lightning, storm, or other injury; (2) dictated by good forestry practice if removal is beneficial to remaining trees; or (3) the trees have been designated for removal on an approved tree preservation plan. Provides that a tree preservation plan prepared by a registered arborist or landscape architect indicating the location, species, size, and condition of existing trees shall be submitted in conjunction with all applications for approval to the Department. Provides that the tree preservation plan shall indicate the location of the trees to be preserved and the methods which will be used to preserve the trees. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2020.