A. Time of application.
1. Any person desiring to cut down, destroy or remove one (1) or more protected trees on any undeveloped, vacant property or land under development that requires a building permit in the city, shall file an application for a tree removal permit application with the Community Development Director. If the protected tree removal does not involve development, the application shall be filed not less than ten (10) days prior to the time desired for the physical removal of the protected tree.
2. If the protected tree removal does involve development, the applicant shall file the application concurrently with the first application for approval of the development. The applicant is strongly encouraged to review the proposed development with the Community Development Director to determine which protected trees could be preserved before design drawings are begun.
B. Content of Application.
1. The application shall contain the precise number, species, size and location of the protected tree(s) to be cut down, destroyed or removed and a statement of the reason for removal, the signature of the property owner authorizing such removal, the signature of the person actually performing the work if different than the property owner and if known at the time of the application, as well as any other pertinent information the Community Development Director may require. The applicant shall submit five (5) copies of drawing and a fee prescribed by City Council resolution to cover the cost of investigation and processing.
2. If the tree removal involves development, the applicant shall provide a tree survey plan specifying the precise location and dripline of all existing trees (protected trees and non-protected trees) on the property.
3. Unless the reason for the proposed removal of the protected tree(s) is evident, (i.e. the protected tree is clearly dying) the applicant shall also submit a certified or consulting arborist's report, which shall include an evaluation of the protected tree(s) to be removed as well as any appropriate recommendations concerning the preservation of any surviving protected tree(s) on the property. The appraisal shall be done at the applicant's sole expense, and the appraiser shall be subject to the city's approval, which approval it shall not unreasonably withhold. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)