(A) Restrictions for tree removal. It is unlawful to remove a tree from public land without approval from the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer.
(B) Standards for replacement.
(1) It is the intent of this subchapter that significant and heritage, non-diseased trees removed from public property will be replaced on a “one for four” basis for significant trees and on a “one for one” basis with same species for heritage trees.
(2) For the purposes of this subchapter, a SIGNIFICANT TREE is defined as either:
(a) A deciduous tree with the diameter of 14 inches where the diameter is measured at four and one-half feet above ground level; or
(b) A coniferous tree with the diameter of 12 inches where the diameter is measured at four and one-half feet above ground level.
(3) For the purposes of this subchapter, a HERITAGE TREE is defined as any tree with the diameter of 36 inches where the diameter is measured at four and one-half feet above ground level.
(4) Replacement trees, with the exception of trees replacing heritage trees which must be replaced with the same species, must be replaced with a native or zone appropriate non-invasive species of the following size:
(a) For deciduous trees, a height of not less than six feet; and
(b) For coniferous trees, a diameter not less than two inches at the bottom of the trunk.
(5) Trees removed from public land which require replacement must be replaced in locations and varieties as specified by the City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer.
(C) Exemption. Diseased and dead trees which are removed by the city are exempt from the provisions of this subchapter. However, the city will endeavor to replace diseased trees in accordance with restrictions on locations in §§ 154.001 through 154.009 and Chapter 163 of this code of ordinances.
(D) Alternatives to tree replacement. Alternatives to tree replacement. In cases in which it can be demonstrated that a property cannot accommodate additional trees and replacement trees are required, the City Council, at its sole discretion, may allow a property owner to place the replacement trees on public property instead of on site. As an alternative to placing replacement trees on the site or on public property, the City Council, at its sole discretion, may also allow an applicant to contribute $300 per significant tree and $600 per heritage tree to the city’s Tree Fund, or other such amounts as shall be set by the City Council from time to time.
(Prior Code, § 830.11) (Ord. 17-06, passed 7-5-2017) Penalty, see § 156.99