(A) Tree plan required.
(1) A tree plan, which would include a tree inventory, prepared by an arborist, landscape architect or forester, shall be submitted for any project in which any trees will be impacted as a result of the project. Tree inventories shall identify existing healthy significant trees, specimen trees, woodlots and smaller groups of non-significant trees within the limits of the proposed project area. The inventory should clearly indicate which trees would be lost as a result of the project and which trees would be saved. The tree inventory shall be submitted at the same time as any other required application submittals. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Community Development Director and the City Forester.
(2) Parcels in the R-1, Single Family Residential Zoning District are exempt from the provisions of this section.
(B) Replacement standards. Replacement tree species shall be approved by the City Forester in accordance with § 160.419 of this chapter.
(1) No additional plantings shall be required on lots less than one acre where five or more replacement and high value trees over eight inches in diameter would remain, or on lots one acre or larger where ten or more replacement and high value trees over eight inches in diameter would remain. For every significant tree removed, the permit holder or property owner shall plant a new tree on a one-to-one replacement basis, up to a maximum of five new trees.
(2) For every specimen tree removed, the permit holder or property owner shall plant a minimum of two new trees, up to a maximum of five new trees.
(3) Replacement trees shall be planted no later than 12 months beyond the date of tree removal. The owner or permit holder shall guarantee the survival of the replacement trees for two full growing seasons beyond the year of planting. In cases where replacement cannot occur within the specified timeframe, an extension may be granted at the discretion of the City Forester and Community Development Director.
(4) The number of required replacement trees may be reduced when deemed appropriate at the sole discretion of the City Forester based on existing site conditions.
(5) Replacement requirements shall not apply to trees lost as a result of utility trimming or maintenance, work conducted by or on behalf of a governmental agency in pursuance of its lawful activities or functions, disease, storms or other acts of natural occurrence.
(C) Protection. Trees within development areas designated for preservation shall be protected from construction damage by placing a snow fence or flags in a perimeter five feet beyond the tree’s dripline, within which area no equipment shall traverse or materials, debris or fill shall be placed.
(D) Additional removals. If, through the course of a development activity, it becomes necessary to remove additional trees beyond what was previously approved in the tree plan. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to submit the request to the city in writing, explaining the reasons necessitating the additional removals, and obtain written approval of the Community Development Director or designee before proceeding.
(Prior Code, § 1127.04)