The Wayzata Planning Commission approved amendments to the city's tree preservation ordinance Monday that would create a new exemption process specifically for golf courses seeking relief from current requirements.

The changes, which now go to the City Council, would allow golf courses to seek exemption from tree preservation requirements by submitting a tree management plan approved by the city forester, followed by City Council approval. The ordinance currently requires significant financial commitments for tree replacement or fees when removing trees above certain thresholds.

Woodhill Country Club representatives spoke in favor of the changes, citing safety concerns, administrative burdens, and financial costs as primary reasons for seeking the exemption. Brian Edmonston, speaking for Woodhill, described safety incidents including a member death from a falling tree and noted the club's $75,000 allocation for tree replanting as part of a golf course restoration project beginning in July.

"We're not removing trees to replace with hardscapes, concrete and buildings. We're removing trees for safety concerns and to replace them with grasses," Edmonston told commissioners. He emphasized that Woodhill has been a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary since 1994 and maintains various environmental initiatives.

The commission's 4-2 vote established a single pathway requiring both city forester review of tree management plans and City Council approval for exemptions. Commissioners who voted against the measure preferred allowing golf courses to work directly with the city forester without requiring council approval. The amendments apply to both Woodhill Country Club and Wayzata Country Club, which have properties spanning city boundaries with Orono.