The City is desirous of recognizing and protecting landmark trees.
A. With the advice of the City Community Services Commission the Director may propose criteria for the designation of landmark trees to the City Council. The criteria shall include consideration of the age, size, shape, species, location, historical association, visual quality or other contribution to the City's character. Upon the recommendation of the Director, the City Council may designate as a "Landmark Tree" any tree on property under the jurisdiction of the City meeting the criteria adopted by the City Council or may rescind such designations.
B. Landmark trees shall be removed only after approval by the City Council based on a recommendation by the Community Services Commission.
C. Removal of landmark trees shall be based upon reasonable standards, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. The condition of the landmark tree with respect to its general health, damage, status as a public nuisance, danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures, interference with utility services, and its status as host for parasitic plants, pests or diseases endangering other species of trees or plants with infection or infestations;
2. The necessity of the requested action to allow construction of improvements or otherwise allow economic or other reasonable enjoyment of property;
3. The topography of the land and the effect of the requested action on soil retention, water retention, and diversion or increased surface water;
4. The number, species, size and location of existing trees in the area and the effect of the requested action on shade areas, air pollution, historic values, scenic beauty and the general welfare of the City as a whole;
5. Good forestry practices such as, but not limited to, the number of healthy trees a given parcel of land will support.
D. Conditions may be imposed on the removal of landmark trees including, but not limited to, any of the following:
1. A condition requiring the replacement or placement of additional trees on the subject property to offset the impacts associated with loss of a tree, limbs or encroachment into the protected zone of a landmark tree;
2. The planting of new tree(s) off-site to offset the loss of a landmark tree;
3. A condition requiring an objectively observable maintenance and care program be initiated to insure the continued health and care of landmark tree(s) on the property;
4. Payment of a fee or donation of planting stock to the City or other public agency to be used elsewhere in the community should a suitable replacement location of the tree not be possible on-site or off-site.
(Ord. 2859 § 2 (part), 1995).