(A) Generally. To assure the health and survival of protected trees that are not to be removed, the city strongly recommends that developers avoid the following kinds of tree injuries during all development activities:
(1) Mechanical injuries to roots, trunk and branches;
(2) Injuries by chemical poisoning;
(3) Injuries by grade changes;
(4) Injuries by excavations; and
(5) Injuries by paving.
(B) Tree protection zone. A circular tree protection zone shall be established around each protected tree as follows:
(1) The circular area of lands surrounding the tree from the trunk to the outermost branch, regardless of the tree size; and
(2) The configuration of the tree protection zone may be adjusted upon recommendation of the City Arborist or Tree Board and upon verification that measures will be taken during construction or installation to protect the well being of the tree.
(C) Development. Development within the tree protection zone can be very detrimental to the health and survival of protected trees. As such, all development activities, except those specifically permitted by this chapter, should be avoided within the tree protection zone provided for any protected trees, including any construction of buildings, structures, paving surfaces and storm water retention/detention ponds. All temporary construction activities shall also be avoided within tree protection areas, including all digging, concrete washing, storage of construction material and parking of construction vehicles.
(D) Fencing of tree protection zone. Prior to the commencement of construction, the developer shall enclose the entire tree protection zone within a fence or similar barrier as follows.
(1) Wooden or similar posts at least one and one-half by three and one-half inches shall be implanted in the ground deep enough to be stable and with at least four feet visible above ground.
(2) The protective posts shall be placed not more than six feet apart, and shall be linked together by a rope, chain or fence.
(3) During construction, each tree protection zone shall be identified with a temporary sign or signs to clearly demarcate the extent of the zone.
(E) Permitted activities within tree protection zone.
(1) Utility excavation. Excavating or trenching by duly constituted utilities shall be permitted within the tree protection zone, except where the trees are historic or specimen, in which case utility lines shall be tunneled beneath tree roots in order to protect feeder roots.
(2) Sodding and ground cover. Placement of sod or other ground covers and the preparation of the ground surface for the covers shall be permitted within the tree protection zone.
(3) Exemptions. This should be enforced, with exemptions to be approved by the City Arborist, and then only in extreme circumstances.
(F) Inspections.
(1) All protected trees designated to remain, pursuant to a tree survey, shall be inspected by the Tree Board approximately one year following completion of the project to ensure that they are surviving in a healthy condition.
(2) Protected trees that require repair or replacement shall be determined by the Tree Board.
(3) Any protected tree designated to remain which is damaged during construction, or with damage occurring as a result of construction, shall be repaired according to accepted International Society of Arboricultural practices, or replaced according to replacement policy outlined in § 14-706(B).
(Ord. 1011, passed 10-23-2003; Ord. 1388, passed 3-12-2013)