(A) There is a forest conservation threshold established for all land use categories, as provided in division (B) below of this section. The forest conservation threshold means the percentage of the net tract area at which the reforestation requirement changes from a ratio of one-fourth acre planted for each acre removed above the threshold to a ratio of two acres planted for each acre removed below the threshold.
(B) After reasonable efforts to minimize the cutting or clearing of trees and other woody plants have been exhausted in the development of a subdivision or project plan, grading and sediment control activities, and implementation of the forest conservation plan, the forest conservation plan shall provide for reforestation, or payment into the Forest Conservation Fund, according to the formula set forth in this division (B) and division (C) below of this section and consistent with § 83-6(A) of this chapter the following forest conservation thresholds for the applicable land use category:
Category of Use | Threshold Percentage |
Agricultural and resource areas | 50 percent |
Medium density residential areas | 25 percent |
Conditional use areas | 20 percent |
High density residential areas | 20 percent |
Mixed use and planned unit development areas | 15 percent |
Commercial and industrial use areas | 15 percent |
(C) Calculations.
(1) For all existing forest cover measured to the nearest one-tenth acre cleared on the net tract area above the applicable forest conservation threshold, the area of forest removed shall be reforested at a ratio of one-fourth acre planted for each acre removed.
(2) Each acre of forest retained on the net tract area above the applicable forest conservation threshold shall be credited against the total number of acres required to be reforested under division (C)(1) above of this section. The calculation of the credit shall be according to the criteria provided in the Forest Conservation Technical Manual.
(3) For all existing forest cover measured to the nearest one-tenth acre cleared on the net tract area below the applicable forest conservation threshold, the area of forest removed shall be reforested at a ratio of two acres planted for each acre removed below the threshold.
(Ord. 92-6, passed 12-21-1992)