It is the policy of the city to recognize and preserve existing natural resources of the community. In its effort to maintain the wooded character of the area, the city finds that trees provide numerous benefits, including: stabilization of the soil by the prevention of erosion and sedimentation, reduction of stormwater runoff, improvement of air quality, reduction of noise pollution, control of urban heat island effect, protection and increase of property values, protection of privacy, energy conservation through natural insulation providing habitat for birds and other wildlife and conservation and enhancement of the city’s physical and aesthetic environment. The purpose of these regulations is to preserve and protect significant trees or stands of trees whose loss due to land disturbances associated with the process of development or construction would adversely effect the city’s existing natural resources. The regulations also recognize that despite the best efforts of the city and developers and property owners, trees will occasionally be lost in the development and construction process. In such instances, these regulations will require replacement of trees.
(1987 Code, § 1103.01)