The following are basic provisions for the preservation of trees within a site plan:
(a) Preservation of all trees with a diameter at breast height of over six (6) inches is required. Such trees may not be removed from a site, and must be maintained and protected during construction in accordance with the requirements of the Codified Ordinances. The size of the tree protection area during construction shall be a circle that meets the diameter of the drip line of the tree, or a diameter that is measured as one (1) foot in diameter for each one (1) inch of caliper, whichever is greater.
(b) Trees on the subject site plan property shall only be removed if approved by the Zoning Administrator and one (1) or more of the following situations apply:
(1) The tree poses a hazard. In order to verify that a hazard exists, the City may require a tree hazard assessment to be performed by a qualified arborist.
(2) The tree is planted too close to an existing structure, such that it is either damaging or has the clear potential to damage the structure.
(3) The roots of the tree are causing damage to sewer, plumbing or other infrastructure lines. Trees should not be removed simply because a sidewalk is raised or cracked, as the removal of the tree will not repair the damage.
(4) The tree contains structural problems (split trunk, split crotches, poor branch attachments), is damaged to the point that it cannot recover and grow properly or that it will grow in a misshapen or unsightly manner that could result in failure and fall.
(5) The tree is infested with an epidemic insect or disease where the recommended control is not applicable and removal is necessary to prevent transmission of the insect or disease to other trees. The City may require this condition to be verified by a qualified arborist.
(6) The tree is out of keeping in character or form with a proposed landscape plan or with an otherwise cohesive existing landscaping.
(7) The tree interferes with the growth and development of a more desirable tree.
(8) The Zoning Administrator determines that the removal of the tree is necessary to carry out construction in compliance with approved plans.
(c) A tree that is removed must be replaced with a tree of a comparable species and in a location that will grow to replace the removed tree without posing the hazards for which the tree was removed.
(d) The Zoning Administrator may allow trees to be replaced with other types of landscape if one (1) of the following conditions is met:
(1) The property includes other trees that provide sufficient shade so that additional trees are not necessary.
(2) If a replacement tree would be out of character or form in conjunction with an approved landscape plan.
(3) If in the opinion of the Zoning Administrator there is no suitable location on the property for a replacement tree.
(e) Clear-cutting of forests is prohibited.
(f) Large-scale projects, such as large-scale residential projects of more than ten (10) units, as well as larger mixed-use and commercial development projects, shall require approval of any tree preservation plan by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 025-2023. Passed 6-5-23.)