Any person wishing to obtain a permit to remove, cause to be removed, or relocate a tree, clear land or grub land as required under the provisions of this Chapter shall make application to the City Coordinator of Natural Resources by filing a written application and paying such a fee as is established herein. Where an application as required by this Chapter has been submitted, no permit shall be issued until a Tree Preservation Plan for the lot or parcel has been reviewed and approved by the City Coordinator of Natural Resources. The Tree Preservation Plan shall show the following information at a scale sufficient to enable the determination of matters required under these regulations:
(a) Permit Requirements.
(1) The shape and dimensions of the lot or parcel, together with the existing and proposed locations of all structures, improvements, and utilities if any.
(2) Location of all existing trees with a trunk diameter of six inches (6”) or more dbh, which are subject to this Chapter, identified by common or botanical name. Trees proposed to remain, to be transplanted, or to be removed shall be identified. Groups of trees in close proximity, three-to-five foot spacing or closer, may be designated as a “clump” of trees, and the predominant species, estimated number and average size shall be listed.
(3) A statement showing how trees not proposed for removal are to be protected during land clearing and construction, i.e., a protective barrier as defined herein.
(4) Locations and dimensions of all setbacks and easements.
(5) Statements as to grade changes proposed for the lot or parcel.
(6) Any proposed tree replacement program.
(7) All trees to be retained shall be so identified by some method, such as painting or flagging, etc., prior to field inspection. Where protective barriers are necessary to prevent damage to a tree that is not to be removed, such barriers shall be erected before work starts.
(8) A topographical survey sealed by a registered engineer or registered surveyor, which shows the information set forth in subsections (a) (1) through (7) above. The City Forester may also require an aerial photograph of suitable quality (minimum 1” equals 200’), to facilitate plan review or a tree survey as defined herein. A tree survey will be required on all areas for which tree removal or relocation authorization is being requested.
(b) Land clearing or grubbing. Upon written request, land clearing or grubbing shall be permitted when the physical condition of the proposed development site does not permit the preparation of a tree survey as defined herein. Information as to the general number, species and size of the protected trees on the property will be required before land clearing or grubbing will be authorized. Land clearing shall be permitted within designated street rights-of-way, drainage and other utility areas as depicted on a recorded plat and an approved site plan if applicable. During grubbing, all trees not scheduled for removal will be left in an undisturbed condition with no less than the area designed as the drip line understory left intact.
(c) Alternate site plan information. In the event that there are no trees greater than six inches (6”) dbh located on the site to be developed which are required to be protected under the provisions of this Chapter, the applicant shall so state in the application for a no tree verification. If such statement is substantiated by an inspection of the site by the City Forester, the applicant shall be relieved of the necessity of complying with the provisions of this Chapter in regard to removal of trees.
(d) Time of permit. Any and all permits issued by the City as requirements of this Chapter shall be declared null and void if commencement of work so permitted is not started within a reasonable time, not to exceed one (1) year as set by the City Coordinator of Natural Resources. In no case shall the permit be valid for more than twelve (12) months. Permits not used within this period will become null and void and future work will require a new application and permit.
(Ord. 2013-225. Passed 1-6-14.)