(A)
Significant tree removal shall only be carried out with a city-approved tree preservation plan. As part of its consideration of the tree preservation plan the Planning Commission and City Council may take into consideration the types of trees that are proposed to be removed.
(B) Mitigation shall be required if the total number of caliper inches of existing significant trees removed as a result of the development exceed the following percentages:
(1) Subdivisions with mass grading.
(a) R-1 and R-2 Residential Zoning Districts shall have no more than 20% of the total number of caliper inches of significant trees in the development area removed.
(b) All other zoning districts shall have no more than 30% of the total number of caliper inches of significant trees in the development area removed.
(2) Subdivisions with custom grading.
(a) The party responsible for initial site development may remove up to 20% of the total number of caliper inches of significant trees in the development area. The party responsible for initial site development shall be solely responsible for any mitigation required and performance guarantees required.
(b) After the initial site development, the following removal limits shall apply for each custom graded lot:
1. R-1 and R-2 Residential Zoning Districts shall have no more than 20% of the total number of caliper inches of significant trees in the development area removed.
2. All other zoning districts shall have no more than 30% of the total number of significant trees in the development area removed.
(C) The following types of trees are not considered significant trees and do not need to be included as part of total caliper inches removed:
(1) Dead, diseased or dying trees;
(2) Trees that are transplanted from the site to another appropriate area within the city;
(3) Trees that were planted as part of a commercial business such as a tree farm or nursery; or
(4) Undesirable trees as noted in § 151.04.57.
(Ord. 20220120-01, passed 1-20-22; Am. Ord. 20240515-01, passed 5-15-24)