(A) Existing significant trees should be preserved to the maximum extent practicable to act as buffers between adjoining developments and as site amenities. For purposes of this Section, “significant” trees mean deciduous trees with at least a 12-inch caliper measured diameter at breast height (DBH), evergreen trees ten feet or more in height, or small hardwoods such as dogwoods, redbuds or sourwoods whose diameters are eight inches DBH or more.
(B) Where preservation is not feasible, trees that are removed shall be replaced on-site or elsewhere in the city. Additionally, existing vegetative cover including native trees, shrubs, forbs, sedges, groundcovers, grasses, and other flora should be preserved to the extent possible during development. Such existing vegetation provides important wildlife habitat, erosion control, and visual buffers within the landscape.
(Ord. 2013-22, passed 11-25-2013)