The city recognizes that a certain amount of tree removal is an inevitable consequence of the urban development process and therefore will likely result in the removal of some significant trees. Consequently, the city requires that significant tree removal beyond the following thresholds shall require reforestation or restitution as described below in § 153.299.
(A) Trees may be removed within 30 feet from the face of the foundation of buildings, required parking areas, driveways, well areas, drain fields, essential utility areas, essential drainageways, easements, and rights-of-way.
(B) All diseased, hazardous, dead and dying trees may be removed. Except in the Shoreland Overlay District, all exempt trees may be removed.
(C) Up to 10% of significant trees may be removed from existing improved parcels.
(D) On parcels where a significant woodlands exist, a percentage of the woodland may be removed without any obligation for reforestation or restitution, but only up to and including the threshold percentage of woodland listed for that zoning district.
Zoning District | Threshold |
Conservancy | 10% |
Agriculture | 25% |
Rural Residential | 30% |
SF, MXR-1, MXR-2, MXR-3, MF | 50% |
All Other Zoning Districts | 60% |
(E) Trees and woodlands within the Shoreland Overlay District are subject to the requirements stated in §§ 153.343 et seq., in addition to the regulations of this chapter.
(F) After tree removal the parcel must still meet the minimum requirements of §§ 153.230 et seq. of this chapter.
(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010; Am. Ord. 655, passed 3-14-2016)