Billerica Tree Panel Narrows Draft Bylaw to Setback-Based Replacement Rules

BILLERICA -- March 11, 2026, Billerica's LORAX tree committee moved toward a streamlined draft bylaw that would require caliper-for-caliper on-site replacement of healthy trees removed from residential and commercial properties. At the March 11 meeting, a building commissioner identified as Mark advised the committee to structure the proposal as a general bylaw, which requires only a simple majority at town meeting, compared to two-thirds for a zoning amendment, while still referencing existing zoning setback dimensions. The group agreed trees removed within setbacks should trigger a double replacement obligation, while trees removed within the buildable envelope would require equal caliper replacement, with exemptions for diseased trees verified by an independent certified arborist. An earlier proposal to establish a cash-in-lieu tree fund was dropped after members warned it would be easily manipulated and produce little timely canopy restoration. Resident Patty Higgins, of 15 Goddard Road, appeared during open mic to flag a National Grid plan to remove six shade trees on Riverbank Terrace ahead of a public meeting March 18 at 10 a.m., though members noted enforcement against a utility company operating under a town licensing agreement would be difficult. The committee's next meeting is April 8, with a condensed draft expected.