Chapters 600 through 640 of this UDO shall apply to all properties or portions thereof located within the unincorporated areas of Gwinnett County, Georgia, to the extent of the provisions contained herein. The Board of Commissioners hereby finds that the protection and preservation of trees, the planting of new trees and other landscape material, and the provision of buffers between dissimilar uses as part of the land development process is a public purpose and provides for the public health and general welfare.

(Ord. No. UDOA2023-00002(GCID 2023-0604), Exh. A(§ 41), 9-26-2023)

600-20.1 The purpose of Chapters 600 through 640 of the UDO is to preserve and enhance the County's natural environment. This is accomplished through the preservation, protection and planting of trees and other landscape material, particularly those trees recognized herein as canopy and small trees, and the provision of natural and/or planted buffers between dissimilar uses as part of the land development process, as required by Title 2 of this UDO.

600-20.2Chapters 600 through 640 of the UDO are intended to further the County's policy that all development sites where trees are most commonly removed will achieve upon project completion a uniform standard related to tree coverage, landscaping, and buffers. In addition, trees are recognized for their importance in shading and cooling, noise and wind reduction, prevention of soil erosion, production of oxygen, dust filtration, fostering air quality through carbon dioxide absorption, providing wildlife habitat, and contributing to the aesthetic and economic value of real property.

600-20.3Chapters 600 through 640 of the UDO are also intended to further the County's policy of encouraging all individuals or firms who propose to develop land, and which are required to meet the requirements of this UDO, to consider the use of water-efficient landscaping principles and techniques (xeriscaping).

(Ord. No. UDOA2023-00002(GCID 2023-0604), Exh. A(§ 41), 9-26-2023)