A. Application. A tree permit application is required to remove any protected tree as defined in this chapter. Such applications shall be filed with the Community Development Department on forms provided for such purpose, together with a filing fee as established by resolution of the City Council. The tree permit application shall include, but is not limited to, the following information:
1. A written statement indicating the reason for the destruction and/or relocation of protected tree(s).
2. A site plan and/or a landscaping plan showing the location of all trees to be destroyed and/or relocated, along with location of the required replacement trees.
3. A report obtained from a Certified Arborist, which shall include, but not limited to, the following:
a. Description and photographs of the impacted protected trees including genus and species name, health, and DBH of trees.
b. Analysis of the impacted trees that support the proposed destruction and/or relocation.
c. Analysis of the appropriateness of the proposed locations of each replacement tree and/or relocated protected tree.
d. Recommended care measures for the replacement trees and/or relocated protected trees.
4. If a protected tree is proposed to be relocated, a tree protection plan, prepared by a Certified Arborist, shall be included. Such plan shall describe measures required to be implemented to ensure safe transplant of the protected tree and continued survival of the relocated tree.
5. A request for payment of an in-lieu fee, if needed, subject to requirements of § 20.74.050.B.8.
B. Review authority. The Community Development Director, or his designee, has the authority to review, approve, or deny tree permits, unless the tree permit is a part of a project that is under the purview of the Planning Commission. In such instance, the Planning Commission shall consider the tree permit as a part of the overall project.
C. Required findings. The review authority shall approve a tree permit, only if at least one of the following findings can be made:
1. The condition of the protected tree(s) with respect to its health, danger of falling, proximity to proposed or existing structures, and/or interference with utility services warrant removal or relocation of the tree.
2. The location of the protected tree(s) unreasonably prevents the development of the property.
3. The removal and/or relocation of the protected tree(s) is consistent with good urban forestry practices.
4. The protected tree(s) causes a threat to human life and/or personal property.
5. The proposed removal or relocation of the protected tree(s) will substantially improve the defensible space of the property in the event of a fire as determined by the Fire Department.
D. As a prerequisite to granting any tree permit, the review authority may impose conditions.
E. Appeals. Any person may appeal the decision of the review authority with respect to a tree permit pursuant to Chapter 20.424 of this Title.
(Ord. 1241, passed 8-15-23)