All existing trees to be retained shall be protected during construction according to the following tree-protection methods.
(a) Tree Protection Zones. The development plan or subdivision plat shall show the number and location of existing trees as required by these regulations and shall further indicate all those marked for retention. All trees to be retained shall be designated in identified tree protection zones on the landscape plan submitted as part of the development plan or subdivision plat. (Tree protection zones for trees on adjacent properties whose critical root zones extend into the subject property must also be delineated.) The plan may include multiple zones, which do not need to be contiguous. The tree protection zones shall at a minimum encompass the critical root zones of all existing trees to be retained.
(b) Placement of Tree Protective Barriers. Tree protection zones shall be protected according to the following:
(1) Prior to construction, clearing, or other disturbance of the property, all trees or groups of trees to be preserved shall be marked with a blue ribbon or blue paint-stripe and tree protective barriers located so as to totally encompass the perimeter of the tree protective zones. Such barriers shall be of orange plastic construction fencing that is at least four and one-half (4 ½) feet in height and held in place by seven (7) foot poles placed on no more than eight (8) foot centers.
(2) Protective barriers shall remain in place until construction is complete, landscaping is installed, and an occupancy permit has been issued.
(3) No land disturbance, including grading or filling, shall occur within the tree protection zone except as may be approved by the City Engineer when a tree aeration system is installed. Tree aeration systems, if recommended by the City Arborist and required by the Planning Commission, shall be shown on the TP&M Plan and their installation shall be monitored by the City Arborist.
(4) Areas within the tree protection zones shall not be disturbed in any way. They shall be kept free of all building materials, dirt, chemicals (including fuels and lubricants), contaminated water or other foreign materials, construction debris, and vehicles. Personnel shall not enter those zones except to perform essential tree and landscaping functions.
(Ord. 54-2016. Passed 2-28-17.)