The building official may reduce the parking requirements by up to five percent (5%) of the required number of spaces if the proposed landscaping plan incorporates the retention of significant trees, particularly in the interior of the site, or if the proposed landscaping exceeds the requirements of this chapter by fifteen percent (15%) or more. The public works director may reduce technical standards of the parking lot design where paving requirements conflict with the retention of significant trees. (2003 Code § 11-12-11.1)