The following standards shall govern the granting or denial of an application for a tree permit for property which does not qualify for a mandatory permit pursuant to Section 1028.10:
(a) The preservation and conservation of trees, woodlands areas, similar woody vegetation, wildlife and related natural resources and processes shall have priority over development when there are feasible and prudent location alternatives on the site for proposed buildings, structures or other site improvements.
(b) The integrity of woodlands areas shall be maintained irrespective of whether such woodlands cross property lines.
(c) Diversity of tree species shall be maintained where essential to preserving a woodlands area.
(d) Where the proposed activity consists of land clearing, it shall be limited to designated street rights-of-way, drainage and utility areas, and areas necessary for the construction of buildings, structures or other site improvements.
(e) Where the proposed activity involves residential development, residential units shall, to the extent reasonably feasible, be designed and constructed to blend into the natural setting of the landscape.
(f) The proposed activity shall comply with all applicable statutes and ordinances.
(g) The proposed activity shall include necessary provisions for tree relocation or replacement in accordance with Section 1028.12.
(h) Tree removal or transplanting shall be limited to the following instances:
(1) When removal or transplanting is necessary for the construction of a building, structure or other site improvement, and the permit applicant has shown there is no feasible and prudent location alternative on-site for a proposed building, structure or other site improvement; or
(2) The tree is dead, in decline, in danger of falling, is located too close to existing buildings or structures, interferes with existing utility service or drainage, creates unsafe vision clearance or does not conform to other City ordinances or regulations.
(Ord. 682. Passed 8-18-99; Ord. 829. Passed 6-14-06.)