(A) The vegetation of any site may be altered by the following.
(1) Easements. Those areas dedicated as public/private easements are not considered in the determination of vegetation coverage.
(2) Canopy. Up to 85% of any site may be canopy free.
(a) If tree/palm removal is required to increase the canopy-free area to more than 40% of a site, the tree removal shall be subject to the provisions of this section.
(b) The canopy of any site shall not be reduced so as to provide less than 15% canopy coverage of a site. In those cases where alteration of the canopy must occur, further provisions of this section may be employed to meet the intent of this section and this chapter.
(3) Understory. At least 15% of all existing understory as determined by area shall be undisturbed both hydrologically and physically. The areas to be preserved need not be contiguous but are encouraged to be. However, other provisions of this section may be employed to meet the intent of this section and this chapter.
(B) During land clearing and site development, adequate precautions shall be taken to protect vegetation to be preserved on the site from direct mechanical damage or indirect damage such as soil compaction.
(C) The land clearing permit must be prominently displayed at the site for which the permit was granted prior to the commencement of any land clearing activities.
(2000 Code, § 62-62) (Ord. 86-04, passed 4-22-1986) Penalty, see § 154.999