(A) The city discourages the removal of trees from undeveloped property as defined by this chapter.
(B) Over the past years, the city has needlessly lost many valuable established trees that could have been incorporated into proposed developments had the tree(s) not been previously removed.
(1) Special circumstances to allow tree removal. Unless the subject established tree(s) is deemed to cause imminent potential harm to the public, neighboring property, and/or adjacent streets and utilities if it is not removed, decisions regarding potential tree removal are to be deferred to the time of regular development application. Should a property owner wish to remove a tree(s) from undeveloped property, an application shall be submitted to the Department of Parks, Leisure and Community Services as described in this chapter.
(2) Tree Committee review of all applica-tions on undeveloped property. All applications concerning trees on undeveloped property shall be reviewed by the Tree Committee as defined by this chapter. Factors to be considered are the trees' age, size, and the presence of imminent risks as documented by a certified arborist. The city may commission a certified arborist, at the applicant's expense, to provide information on the health of the tree. Typically, healthy trees may not be removed from undeveloped property.
(3) Special concern for landmark trees. Applications for removal of landmark trees as defined by this section shall be subject to the same noticing requirement as is required for a use permit.
(Ord. 897-C-S, passed 10-25-94)