A. Submittal Requirements. Applications for a land use entitlement shall include a tree inventory as set forth in CMC 16.66.070.
B. Tree Protection Measures.
1. As a condition of permit approval, the relocation of trees proposed for removal, or replacement of the removed trees with other trees planted elsewhere on the site, may be required. Replacement trees may be required on a more than one-for-one basis if the replacement trees are smaller than the trees being removed.
2. The Director shall determine during project review which existing trees will require protection during construction. This decision shall be based upon the proximity of construction activity and the location of the trees relative to the structure and other facilities. All trees approved for removal shall be exempt from protection requirements.
3. The natural grade around the dripline of existing trees shall remain undisturbed during and after construction. Where grade changes and/or site improvements are proposed to occur within the dripline, a suitable mitigation plan shall be developed by a certified arborist, landscape architect, or the City Urban Forest Manager. The plan shall protect the tree from excess fill and/or the removal of excess soil from the root zone.
4. Prior to beginning construction, existing trees shall be pruned to remove limbs which may be dead or may become damaged during construction. Pruning shall be performed consistent with ANSI A300 Pruning Standards.
5. A temporary construction fence shall be installed at the dripline or no closer than 20 feet from the tree trunk. The fence shall be substantial enough to restrict activity to outside the area and shall be installed prior to any grading or other construction activity. During construction, maintenance shall be performed so that the fence remains in good repair. Removal of the fence shall only occur to allow approved construction within the area or to complete site landscaping. City Planning staff shall be contacted, prior to commencement of construction, to inspect fencing and to approve any construction within the dripline.
6. Underground facilities and trenches, (e.g., utility services, sanitary sewer, or storm drainage lines) shall be consolidated, to the extent feasible, and located to minimize impacts upon tree root systems. Trenching or underground work should be located outside of the tree dripline. Any trenching required within the tree dripline shall be as far from the tree trunk as possible and shall be excavated using hand tools, pressurized water, or other approved method to minimize impacts on roots. All trenching within the dripline shall be supervised by a certified arborist or the City Urban Forest Manager.
7. Roots 3/4 inches or greater in size encountered during trenching shall be cleanly cut and treated with a sealing agent to reduce loss of moisture to the tree. Roots greater than 1 1/2 inches shall be preserved and protected at the direction of a certified arborist.
8. No staging, storage area for construction, or construction waste shall be located closer than 50 feet to the dripline of any tree to be protected.
9. Site irrigation and landscaping shall be planned with existing trees in mind. Native trees typically respond poorly to irrigation required of most ornamental landscapes. A rock, cobble, or other mulch, or native shrubs and groundcovers, in combination with drip irrigation systems shall be used within the dripline of native trees, particularly native oaks.
(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2494 §40.)