1. Where, as indicated by the comprehensive plan, a proposed subdivision contains, wholly or in part, a proposed public open space (parks, recreation areas and the like), the following requirements shall apply.
a. In subdivisions containing 80 acres or more, the subdivider shall make a dedication of suitable land for public purposes of not less than 2% of the total land area of the subdivision.
b. In subdivisions containing less than 80 acres, the Planning Commission shall require the dedication of 1% of the total land area, or shall require the payment of a fee equal to the market value of 1% of the total land area of the subdivision. Such fee is to be deposited in a fund reserved and expended for park facilities and improvements only.
c. In lieu of either of the above standards, the subdivider may elect to retain 2% of the total land area, to be designated as park or open spaces and the like; such land shall be maintained by the subdivider or by agreement of the purchasers of lots in the subdivision (formal agreement and/or homeowners’ association formation required).
d. In no case will the subdivider dedicate land for public parks and open spaces unless the city agrees to develop and maintain such parks or open spaces.
2. Existing features which would definitely add value to residential development or to the city as a whole, such as tree masses, watercourses, landmarks, historic sites and similar irreplaceable assets, shall be preserved in the design of the subdivision, whenever possible. No trees shall be removed from any subdivision, nor any change of grade of the land effected, until approval of the preliminary plat has been granted. All trees on the plat required to be retained shall be preserved, and all trees, where required, shall be walled and protected against change of grade. The preliminary plat shall show the number and location of existing trees and shall further indicate all those marked for retention, as well as the location of all proposed trees along the street side of each lot.
3. New trees provided in new subdivisions shall be approved by the Planning Commission and shall be planted in accordance with all municipal regulations. Only long-lived trees, acceptable to the Planning Commission, shall be planted, consistent with the comprehensive plan.
4. The preliminary plat and final plat shall include an easement authorizing the local government to plant trees within five feet of any required access or right-of-way; this provision may be waived at the option of the Planning Commission.