(A) Issuance. The issuance of a “tree pruning/removal permit” shall be the responsibility of the Planning Director and shall constitute an authorization to do only that work which is described or illustrated on the approved plans and specifications.
(B) Approved plans. When the Planning Director issues the permit, all of the plans and specifications shall be endorsed “Approved”. The approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without written authorization by the Planning Director. All work shall be done in accordance with the approved plans, building permits and this chapter.
(C) Conditions of approval.
(1) In granting any permit under this chapter, the county shall attach such conditions as necessary to prevent creation of a public nuisance or hazard to public or private property. The conditions may include, but shall not be limited to:
(a) Hours and days of week of work performance;
(b) Revegetation plan detailing the revegetation of all exposed surfaces during site modification and maintenance; and
(c) Prohibition of removal of some trees.
(2) All reforestations required as a condition of approval must be initiated at least one year before any permit for clearing, grading or construction is issued. The Planning Director, at his or her sole discretion, may withhold the issuance of any or all permits for longer periods to ensure that an adequate level of reforestation is attained prior to the start of project construction.
(D) Denial of permit.
(1) An application for a “tree pruning/removal permit” shall be denied if the Planning Director makes any of the following findings:
(a) That the proposal is not consistent with the applicable General Plan or Specific Plans adopted by San Benito County;
(b) That the project, as proposed, will cause excessive and unnecessary disturbance of the site or requires excessive cutting on slopes greater than 30% in slope;
(c) That the work proposed will create an unavoidable adverse environmental impact; or
(d) That the work proposed causes a public nuisance.
(2) The county shall notify the applicant in writing of a denial or conditions for denial, and shall state the reasons therefore.
(E) Work time limits. The permit holder shall fully perform and complete all of the work required to be done within the time limit specified. If no time limit is specified, the permit holder shall complete the work within 180 days after the date of the issuance of the permit.
(F) Expiration of permit. Every permit issued under this chapter shall expire if the work authorized is not commenced within 90 days from the date of permit issuance, or if the work authorized is commenced and then suspended for a period of 90 days, unless the suspension is approved.
(1966 Code, § 33-10) (Ord. 757, § 1(part))