A. The landscape plan must identify the location of all existing shade or ornamental trees with a caliper equal to or greater than six inches (6"), reflecting which are to be preserved and which will be removed.
B. The landscape plan must be designed whenever reasonably possible to preserve existing shade trees. The city's planning director may approve a landscape plan that provides for the removal of existing shade trees where it is determined that the development cannot reasonably preserve the shade trees. For each existing shade tree or ornamental tree that is preserved, the owner may receive credit for two (2) such trees that are otherwise required to be planted to comply with these regulations. However, if there are no trees "preserved" in the front yard area or front parking lot area, then sections 9-6-4 and 9-6-5 of this chapter shall remain in full force to still be complied with.
C. If the planning director approves the removal of an existing shade or ornamental tree, the landscape plan shall provide for the replacement of equivalent tree calipers; i.e., if a ten inch (10") caliper tree is removed, then a total of ten inch (10") calipers must be replaced.
D. Whenever one or more existing shade or ornamental trees, or existing shrubs provide an effective and desirable buffer or screen, the planning director may require that the existing trees, shrubs, or portions thereof, be preserved if the preservation can be accomplished without undue interference with the development. The planning director will credit any existing shade or ornamental trees, or shrubs which are preserved against any requirements for shade trees, shrubs, or screening as provided in these regulations, if the preserved shade or ornamental tree or shrubs substantially serve the purpose of the landscape requirements.
E. In some instances the removal of tree calipers is so great that the number of trees needed would surpass the minimum required by this code. In such cases, the owner may dedicate the additional trees to the city for use on city properties. (Ord. 09-04-15, 4-21-2015)