A. Applicability: Existing trees shall not be removed from lots within the Village, wholly or in part, without a tree preservation and removal plan approved by the Zoning Administrator. This section does not apply to the removal of trees located on lots for single-unit or two-unit dwellings.
1. Procedure: The tree preservation and removal plan shall specify the tree to be removed and shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator in writing. Such approval is not required if tree removal is performed by Village employees or contractors.
2. Criteria For Removal Of Mature Trees: Every reasonable effort shall be made to incorporate existing trees into the landscape plan for the proposed development. The Zoning Administrator must determine that one of the following criteria apply prior to granting approval to remove a mature tree:
a. The tree is dead, dying, diseased, or a threat to public health or safety.
b. The tree interferes with the provision of public services or is a hazard to traffic.
c. The location of the tree prevents development or redevelopment that cannot be designed to protect the tree.
B. Replacement Standards: Mature trees to be removed shall be replaced in accordance with the following standards.
1. Replacement Rate: The size of a mature tree is measured using its diameter at breast height (refer to figure 10-9-2-1, "Tree Measurement", of this subsection). The tree to be removed shall be replaced within one year of the date of approval, or the applicant shall immediately pay the Village an amount equal to the full value of the tree to be removed.
a. Any tree designated for removal on an approved tree preservation and removal plan shall be replaced at the rate specified in table 10-9-2-1, "Tree Replacement Rates", of this subsection.
b. In the event that a tree designated for preservation is destroyed, damaged, or removed during the construction process, such tree shall be replaced at three (3) times the applicable rate specified in table 10-9-2-1, "Tree Replacement Rates", of this subsection.
2. Tree Valuation: The value of a tree shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with information and estimates as provided by the Village of Bensenville Public Works Forestry Division.
FIGURE 10-9-2-1
TREE MEASUREMENT
TREE MEASUREMENT
TABLE 10-9-2-1
TREE REPLACEMENT RATES
TREE REPLACEMENT RATES
Caliper Of Tree To Be Removed | Number Of Replacement Trees Required |
4 - 12 inches | 4 |
13 - 29 inches | 5 |
30 inches or greater | 6 |
(Ord. 67-2018, 12-18-2018; amd. Ord. 13-2023, 4-25-2023)