(a) The purpose of this chapter is to conserve and protect to the greatest extent possible the City's existing trees, wooded areas, and fence rows; to enhance and promote the community image; to enhance and preserve economic property values and the quality of life in the City; to aid in the alleviation of erosion, siltation, and other harmful effects of land disturbing activities; to aid in controlling the quantity and intensity of stormwater runoff; to alleviate air pollution and non-point source water pollution; to conserve energy; to protect and promote the use of existing vegetation as noise and visual buffers; to preserve the environmental and ecological benefit of trees on air pollution and carbon dioxide levels, as well as dust filtration; to reduce energy consumption through wind break and shade effects of trees when they are properly placed on a site; to preserve and enhance nesting areas for birds and other wildlife and to preserve movement corridors for wildlife; and to promote public health, safety, and welfare through the preservation and replacement of trees while allowing for the reasonable development of lands in such a manner that implements the stated goals, objectives, policies, and standards of the City.
(b) This chapter applies to trees having a trunk diameter of six inches or greater as measured twenty-four inches above ground level, or a tree which has been designated by the City to be of high value or interest to the City because of its location or historical association, or other professional criteria, hereinafter known as protected trees, on all public and private properties, in all zoning districts.
(c) This tree preservation chapter shall not apply to sites which have previously approved final development plans, final plat, or certificate of zoning compliance or other similar final approval by the City prior to the date this provision takes effect.
(Ord. 2014-27. Passed 8-5-14.)