(a) Any development site greater than two acres in size shall be permitted to determine the area of existing tree canopy coverage to be preserved by ground checking or aerial analysis according to the most recent data provided by the city. Tree canopy calculated by aerial analysis shall be limited to that within the boundary of the subject property. If ground checking is utilized, credit for existing trees intended to be retained may be calculated in either of two ways:
(1) Measurement of the trunk of each individual tree (i.e. a tree not grouped with other trees or a part of a tree stand) to determine its DBH and the credit given for that tree shall be in accordance with Table 7- 19.4, below; or
(2) The dripline may be plotted on the site plan and tree canopy credit given for the square footage of the site within the dripline.
(b) For any development site two acres or less in size the area of tree canopy coverage for any group of trees to be retained in order to meet the tree canopy requirements of this Part shall be determined by ground checking. Credit for existing trees intended to be retained may be calculated in either of two ways:
(1) Measurement of the trunk to determine its caliper and the credit given for that tree shall be in accordance with Table 7-19.4, below; or
(2) The dripline may be plotted on the site plan and tree canopy credit given for the square footage of the site within the dripline.
(c) Trees planted within one calendar year of the date of development application shall not be included in the calculation of existing tree canopy.
(d) The calculation must be conducted and certified by a land surveyor, civil engineer, landscape architect licensed by the State of North Carolina or Arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Table 7-19.4 - Tree Canopy Credit for Preserved Trees | ||
DBH |
Size Classification* | Canopy Credit |
Table 7-19.4 - Tree Canopy Credit for Preserved Trees | ||
DBH |
Size Classification* | Canopy Credit |
Over 10 inches | Large | 1,600 sq ft |
Medium | 900 sq ft | |
Small | 400 sq ft | |
3 inches to 9 inches | Large | 960 sq ft |
Medium | 576 sq ft | |
Small | 142 sq ft | |
1 ¾ inches to less than 3 inches | Large | 720 sq ft |
Medium | 432 sq ft | |
Small | 106 sq ft | |
As found in recommended species list
Table 7-19.5 - Tree Canopy Credit for Newly Installed Trees | |
Size Classification* | Canopy Credit |
Large | 560 sq ft |
Medium | 315 sq ft |
Small | 140 sq ft |
As found in recommended species list
(Ord. No. 4824, § 1h, 9-8-20)