A. The design of each project shall recognize the desirability of preserving protected trees to the greatest extent feasible. The design of the grading and other improvements shall reflect consideration of the following safe-guards:
1. Provision of sufficient growing areas as required by individual species;
2. No disruption or removal of structural or feeder roots;
3. Fencing of trees at or beyond their drip lines during grading and construction activities;
4. No filling, cutting, development, or compaction of soils within the drip line;
5. Preservation of oak leaf litter below the drip line; and
6. Other measures required by the particular species of tree(s) to be preserved as recommended by the consulting arborist, horticulturist, or landscape architect.
B. It is recognized that the preservation of all healthy trees on a development site may sometimes conflict with reasonable land developmental considerations (e.g., adequate drainage, grading, circulation, safety, and provision of utilities.) However, the design of the proposed development shall address preservation of the most desirable and significant of the healthy trees and the developer is encouraged to utilize creative land planning techniques to achieve this goal.
C. The review authority shall consider each development proposal and determine the adequacy and appropriateness of the proposed plan to preserve and maintain protected trees. Grading and landscaping plans shall implement an approved tree preservation program. The locations of all protected trees shall be indicated on the plans by the number of the tree as described in the tree report. Notes shall identify which trees are to be preserved, and which may be removed. Plans shall be consistent with the required tree protection mitigation measures included in the project application, initial study, mitigated negative declaration environmental impact report and monitoring plan, and the conditions of the development approval. Plans shall be approved by the director and the city engineer. Prior to use inauguration, the preserved trees shall be trimmed for healthy balance, structural integrity and ornamental appearance as recommended in the tree report for the project.
D. The precise vertical and horizontal locations (plus or minus one foot) of all protected trees shall be shown on the site plan as part of the initial application unless the project does not involve exterior alterations or construction activities.
(Ord. 553-19 § 9, 2019; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)