(a) Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to assure that trees are planted and/or preserved with the development or redevelopment of buildings and parking areas and with the establishment or conversion of uses according to the best ecological concepts, environmental objectives, and site planning principles.
(b) General applicability. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued for the establishment or conversion of any use without conformity with the provisions of this chapter. However, the following shall be exempt from this chapter:
(1) Property developed according to the yard requirements of the district in such a manner that insufficient area is available to achieve compliance with the tree regulations; however, all trees that can be in compliance with these requirements shall be provided.
(2) Any lot occupied by a single-family dwelling, except a townhouse.
(c) Recommended species of trees. The varieties and sizes of trees permitted by this code for the use indicated are specified in the list of Recommended Trees for Springfield, Ohio, (as provided by the City Forestry Division.) Trees not included on the list may be used to fulfill the requirements of this chapter upon approval of the City Forestry Division.
(d) Installation. All tree plantings required by this chapter shall be installed before occupancy or commencement of a use. If because of weather conditions the plantings cannot be installed before occupancy or commencement of a use, the Community Development Director or Director's designee may issue a temporary zoning certificate and grant a delay of tree installation until the seasonal calendar dates of March 15 or September 1, whichever occurs first. Tree installation shall then occur within 60 days after the calendar date.
(e) Planting sizes. The following specifications shall be met at the time of planting:
(1) Large deciduous trees. This type of tree shall have a minimum trunk diameter of two (2) inches when measured six (6) inches above established grade and show the growth capabilities, branch formation and crown balance that is indigenous to the particular variety. This type of tree is regarded as a "large" tree in this chapter and will attain a height of 45 feet or more.
(2) Medium deciduous trees. This type of tree shall have a single stem and a minimum trunk diameter of two (2) inches when measured six (6) inches above established grade and show the growth capabilities, branch formation and crown balance that is indigenous to the particular variety. This type of tree is regarded as a "medium" tree in this chapter and will attain a height of 30 to 45 feet.
(3) Small deciduous trees. This type of tree shall have a single stem and a minimum trunk diameter of two (2) inches when measured six (6) inches above grade and show the growth capabilities, branch formation and crown balance that is indigenous to the particular variety. This type of tree is regarded as a "small" tree in this chapter and will attain a height of 20 to 30 feet.
(4) Coniferous trees. This type of tree shall have a minimum height of five (5) feet when measured from the planted level to the top of the tree. This height may be reduced to three (3) feet when it is required to be used for screening purposes. The needle color and branching habits shall be normal for the species and the appearance shall be indicative of previous care in pruning and development.
(f) Maintenance. It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a lot to maintain and replace, if necessary, trees required by these provisions after their planting. Any trees on the public right-of-way or on private property that overhang the public right-of-way shall be maintained according to the provisions of Chapter 907 of the Codified Ordinances of Springfield, Ohio, as amended. All plantings shall be properly weeded, mulched, and kept free of trash and other unsightly material.
(g) General provisions.
(1) The required distance for the location of a tree shall mean the distance to the center of the trunk.
(2) Where fractional numbers of trees result, the number of trees required shall be rounded to the closest whole number. If the fractional amount is one half (1/2), the next lowest whole number shall be applied.
(3) Existing trees may be used to satisfy the requirements of the tree regulations, provided they meet the minimum size requirements for trees at initial planting and they are an approved tree per the list of Recommended Trees for Springfield, Ohio, or are approved by the City Forestry Division.
(h) Site plan. When provisions of the tree regulations are applicable, a plot plan shall be submitted with the request for a zoning certificate and shall include:
(1) The size and location of required planting areas; and
(2) The mature height (small, medium, or large), location, and type (evergreen or deciduous) of existing and proposed tree plantings within and adjacent to the street right-of- way.
(Ord. 15-42. Passed 2-17-15.)