A. The determination to approve a tree removal permit shall be based upon the following considerations:
1. The condition of the tree with respect to disease, danger of collapse of all or any portion of the tree, proximity to an existing structure, interference with utility services, or, in the case of mature native oak trees, interference with an addition to an existing single family detached home;
2. The necessity to remove a protected tree to construct improvements that allow economic enjoyment of the property;
3. The number of protected trees existing in the neighborhood/area;
4. Good forestry practices (i.e., the number of healthy mature trees that a given parcel of land will support);
5. The necessity to remove a protected tree to construct required improvements within a public street right-of-way, flood control right-of-way. or utility right-of-way; and
6. The suitability of the tree species for use in an urban area.
B. The director may waive any requirement of this chapter based upon a determination that the tree(s) would have little or no ornamental value in an urban setting, or that the tree(s) are located so that they would not be impacted by the proposed development, or evidence is provided from an arborist determining that the current condition of the tree does not justify its protection (i.e., damaged tree or diseased tree).
(Ord. 553-19 § 11, 2019; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)