7.7.5. PLANT PRESERVATION STANDARDS

   A.   Plant Preservation Methodologies

   One of the following four methodologies is required when preparing a Native Plant Preservation Plan for Protected Native Plants on the project site . The applicant must state on the plans and/or in the report which methodology has been chosen.

      1.   Plant Inventory Methodology

      The Plant Inventory Methodology is based upon a Native Plant Inventory of all Protected Native Plants in accordance with Section 2-11.4.1.A of the Administrative Manual. The viability and transplantability of Protected Native Plants must be rated according to Section 7.7.5.A.1.b and must be used to determine the numbers and locations of plants required for preservation. The minimum number of Protected Native Plants required for preservation is based upon a percentage of the Viable Protected Native Plants inventoried on-site . In addition, this methodology provides for mitigation through the planting of replacement plants for Protected Native Plants that are damaged , destroyed, or removed from the site . The number of replacement plants required for mitigation is based upon the number of Viable Protected Native Plants that are removed from the site . The preservation-in-place of Protected Native Plants may be credited toward the number of mitigation plants required. Refer to Table 7.7.5-1 and the Native Plant Preservation Worksheet, Section 2-12, Exhibit I, of the Administrative Manual. The provisions of this subsection may be combined, or used in conjunction, with the Plant Appraisal Methodology or the Set Aside Methodology, in accordance with Section 7.7.5.A.4, Combined Methodologies.

         a.   Minimum Protected Native Plant Preservation Standards

         The minimum required standards for the preservation of Protected Native Plants in the Plant Inventory Methodology are as follows.

            (1)   Endangered Species and “Crested” Saguaros

            One hundred percent of Federal Endangered Species and “Crested” Saguaros must be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site .

            (2)   Saguaros and Ironwoods

            At least 50% of all Viable Saguaros and Ironwood trees must be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site .

            (3)   Other Protected Native Plants

            At least 30% of each genus and species of other Viable Protected Native Plant must be preserved-in-place or salvaged and transplanted on-site .

         b.   Native Plant Viability and Transplantability Status

         The Native Plant Viability and Transplantability Status must be determined for each native plant of the minimum size and must be used to determine numbers and locations of plants required for preservation.

            (1)   Plant Viability Standards

            Plant viability is based upon plant health, age, and form. Plants rated Low are not considered Viable and are not required to be assessed according to the Transplantability Standards. Plants rated Medium or High are considered viable and must be assessed under the Transplantability Standards.

               (a)   High

               A high plant viability rating must be assigned to plants meeting the following standards:

                  (i)   Health

                  Plant health is good to excellent with no major infestations of pests or apparent diseases;

                  (ii)   Age

                  Plant age is young or mature with a likely chance of long survival; and,

                  (iii)   Form

                  Plant is relatively undamaged with a healthy branching habit.

               (b)   Medium

               A medium rating must be assigned to plants that do not meet all of the standards for a high rating but have sufficient merit, in the opinion of the qualified professional conducting the inventory, to warrant preservation.

               (c)   Low

               A low plant viability rating must be given to plants meeting any one or more of the following:

                  (i)   Health

                  Plant health is poor. Generally the result of severe infestations of pests or diseases or a lack of water over time;

                  (ii)   Age

                  Plant is in a state of decline, suggesting a low probability of lengthy survival; and,

                  (iii)   Form

                  Plant form and character is severely damaged . For trees, this may include new branches from large, old, dead trunks or weak branching habit.

            (2)   Plant Transplantability Standards

            Plant transplantability standards are based upon plant genus and species, size, soils, context, and topography. The following five categories must be inventoried to determine the ability to salvage the Viable plants that will not be preserved-in-place. Plants rated Low for transplantability should not be considered for salvage and transplant. Plants rated medium or high that are not preserved-in-place should be considered for salvage and transplant on-site or off-site .

               (a)   High

               A high rating for transplantability is assigned to viable plants that also meet the following standards:

                  (i)   Genus and Species

                  Has a high survival rate for reestablishment after transplant;

                  (ii)   Size

                  Overall plant dimensions are suitable for transplanting based upon the genus and species;

                  (iii)   Soils

                  Can be excavated, are cohesive, and seem capable of supporting the rootball system;

                  (iv)   Topography

                  Permits access with the appropriate equipment needed to remove plants and their rootball systems; and,

                  (v)   Context

                  Adjacent plants do not pose a likely interference with root systems or interfere with plant removal.

               (b)   Medium

               A medium Transplantability rating is assigned to plants that do not meet all of the standards for a high rating but do have sufficient merit, in the opinion of the qualified professional conducting the inventory, to warrant transplanting.

               (c)   Low

               A low rating for Transplantability is assigned to plants that also meet the following standards:

                  (i)   Genus and Species

                  Has a low survival rate for reestablishment after transplant;

                  (ii)   Size

                  Overall plant dimensions are not suitable for transplanting based upon the genus and species;

                  (iii)   Soils

                  Too rocky, sandy, or shallow to excavate a cohesive rootball system;

                  (iv)   Topography

                  Seriously limits access to the specimen by the appropriate equipment (i.e., steep slopes , rock barriers); and,

                  (v)   Context

                  Adjacent plants interfere with removal or present likely conflicts with the rootball system.

         c.   Preservation Credits

         The preservation-in-place of certain Protected Native Plants , including those that are subject to the minimum standards of Section 7.7.5.A.1.a, Minimum Protected Native Plant Preservation Standards, are credited toward the mitigation standards of this section as determined by the size of the Protected Native Plant as listed in Table 7.7.5-1, Protected Native Plant Preservation Credits and Mitigation Standards. The preservation credits shall be in the form of the number of plants that may be used to offset the number of additional plants of that same genus and species required, based on the mitigation standards, Section 7.7.5.A.1.d. Generally, the preservation of larger Protected Native Plants results in a greater credit toward the mitigation standards. For example, the preservation-in-place of one 12-foot Saguaro results in a credit of three Saguaros.

         d.   Mitigation Standards

         Viable Protected Native Plants harmed by on-site salvage and transplant, off-site removal, or damage or destruction during development must be mitigated by replacement with a plant or plants of the same genus and species in conformance with Table 7.7.5-1. Plants used for mitigation may either be nursery grown plants, plants that are transported to the site in conformance with the state Native Plant Protection Act, A.R.S. §§3-901 et seq., or plants salvaged from the site that are not required for the minimum preservation standards of Section 7.7.5.A.1.a(2), Saguaros and Ironwoods, or (3), Other Protected Native Plants . Salvage and transplant on-site of Protected Native Plants that are in excess of the minimum standards in Section 7.7.5.A.1.a(3) do not require any further mitigation . Each native plant that is salvaged and transplanted on-site to meet the minimum standards of Section 7.7.5.A.1.a(2) or (3) must be supplemented with one additional plant of the same genus and species as listed in Table 7.7.5-1. Each Viable Protected Native Plant that is removed from the site , damaged , or destroyed during development must be replaced on-site with an additional number of plants of the same genus and species as determined by Table 7.7.5-1.

TABLE 7.7.5-1: PROTECTED NATIVE PLANT PRESERVATION CREDITS AND MITIGATION STANDARDS
Protected Native Plant [1]	Saguaro	Other Cacti	Ironwood Trees	Other Trees	Ocotillo	Yuccas	Shrubs
Inventory	All	All	>4" C	>4" C	>2' H	>2' H	>3' H
Percent Preservation on-Site [2]	50%	30%	50%	30%	30%	30%	30%
Preservation Credits [3]	6-10' H = 2 >10' H = 3	>2' H or D = 2 [4]	6-12" C = 2 >12" C = 3	6-14" C = 2 >14" C = 4	>6' = 2	>4' H or D = 2	>6' H = 2
Replacement Ratio for RFS [5]	3:1	2:1	3:1	2:1	2:1	2:1	2:1
Mitigation Ratio for TOS [6]	1:1	1:1	1:1	1:1	1:1	1:1	1:1
Replacement Size [7]	From Site : >2' H From Nursery: >4' H	1' H or D [8]	15 G	15 G	From Site : >2' H From Nursery: >4' H	5 G	5 G

 

> = greater than or equal to; C = caliper ; D = diameter; G = gallon; H = height; TOS = plants transplanted on-site ; and RFS = plants removed from site , damaged , or destroyed

[1] See Section 5-03, Protected Native Plant List, of the Technical Standards Manual

[2] See Section 7.7.5.A.1.a, Minimum Protected Native Plant Preservation Standard

[3] See Section 7.7.5.A.1.c, Preservation Credits

[4] Except Pima Pineapple Cactus, Needle-spined Pineapple Cactus, and Desert Night-Blooming Cereus which are credited if preserved at a 4" H or D

[5] Ratio of number of plants required to be replaced to number of plants RFS

[6] Ratio of number of plants required to be supplemented to the number of plants TOS

[7] See Section 7.7.5.A.1.c and d, Preservation Credits and Mitigation Standards, respectively

[8] Except Pima Pineapple Cactus, Needle-spined Pineapple Cactus, and Desert Night-blooming Cereus which have a minimum replacement size standard of 4" H or D

      2.   Plant Appraisal Methodology

      The preservation and mitigation standards of the Plant Appraisal Methodology is satisfied by the replacement of the monetary value of each genus and species of Protected Native Plant that is removed from the site , damaged , or destroyed with native plants of the same genus and species of equal value that are brought to the site in conformance with the following standards. The provisions of this subsection may be combined, or used in conjunction, with the Plant Inventory Methodology or the Set Aside Methodology, in accordance with Section 7.7.5.A.4, Combined Methodologies.

         a.   Site Appraisal

         A plant appraisal must be prepared that identifies and state the financial value of each Protected Native Plant that is proposed to be removed from the site , damaged , or destroyed and shall be keyed to the Native Plant Inventory in accordance with Section 2-11.4.1, Native Plant Inventory for the Plant Inventory Methodology, the Plant Appraisal Methodology, and the Combined Methodologies (Outside of Set Aside Areas), of the Administrative Manual. The plant appraisal must be conducted by a certified arborist according to the most current methods and procedures accepted by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. A plant professional (see Section 7.7.4.D, Professional Expertise) who can demonstrate competence in appraisal methodologies, through participation in an approved Western International Society of Arboriculture plant appraisal workshop, may also conduct a plant appraisal according to the most current methods and procedures accepted by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.

         b.   Preservation and Mitigation Standards

         Protected Native Plants that are proposed to be or are removed from the site , damaged , or destroyed during development must be replaced by plants of the same genus and species. The Native Plant Preservation Plan must detail the size and value of replacement plants to demonstrate that the monetary value of replacement plants is equal to the monetary value of each genus and species of Protected Native Plant that is removed from the site , damaged , or destroyed. Alternately, plants may be replaced on a one-to-one basis (genus, species, and size) from the site or from nursery/salvage stock to satisfy the requirement of monetary replacement value.

         c.   Expiration of Appraisals

         Appraisals must be current within six months of submittal of the Native Plant Preservation Plan and is valid for a period of two years after the Plan approval date. A revised appraisal value is required for development that does not proceed before the two year time limit of the appraisal has expired.

         d.   Amendment of Appraisals

         Where any Protected Native Plant is removed from the site , damaged , or destroyed and is not identified on the site appraisal prepared in accordance with Section 7.7.5.A.2.a, Site Appraisal, the Protected Native Plants must be appraised pursuant to this section, and the appraisal must be amended to include all additional Protected Native Plants removed and their financial value.

      3.   Set Aside Methodology

      The preservation and mitigation standards of this section is satisfied by the set aside of an area of the site as Natural Undisturbed Open Space (NUOS) in conformance with the following standards. The provisions of this section may be combined, or used in conjunction, with the Plant Inventory Methodology (Section 7.7.5.A.1) and/or the Plant Appraisal Methodology (Section 7.7.5.A.2), in accordance with Section 7.7.5.A.4, Combined Methodologies.

         a.   Site Assessment

         An Environmental Resource Report (ERR) in accordance with Sections 2-03.5.0, Environmental Resource Report, and 2-11.4.5, Set Aside Submittal, of the Administrative Manual must be prepared for the entire site to determine the general viability, density , and variety of Protected Native Plants within areas on the site . The ERR shall include an assessment of such areas of NUOS and shall prioritize the natural resource value of vegetated areas on the site in conformance with the intent and purpose of this section. Any area left undisturbed as provided in this Section must be shown in the ERR , and no other assessment need be done for such areas. The natural resource value for an area is assessed by the consideration of factors such as:

            (1)   Health, size, density , and variety of native plant species;

            (2)   The visual resource value of the area(s); and,

            (3)   The potential to maximize the preservation of contiguous areas of NUOS both on- and off-site .

         b.   Mitigation Standards

         A minimum of 30% of the site shall be set aside in perpetuity as NUOS area. The set aside area shall consist of the area(s) with the highest resource value as determined by the ERR or area(s) that is left undisturbed and preserved as provided in Section 5.7, Environmental Resource Zone.

         c.   Federal Endangered Species, Saguaros, and Ironwood Tree Mitigation Standards

         The ERR shall include an inventory and analysis of all plants listed as Federal Endangered Species, all Saguaros, and all Ironwoods designated as Protected Native Plants in accordance with Section 2-11.0.0, Native Plant Preservation Plan Requirements, of the Administrative Manual. Preservation and mitigation standards for these genus and species shall conform to Section 7.7.5.A.1, Plant Inventory Methodology.

         d.   Set Aside Protection

         Boundaries of all set aside areas must be clearly delineated on an aerial photograph and site plan , or subdivision  plat and fenced in accordance with Section 7.7.5.C, Plant Protection During Development, and the Technical Standards Manual for the duration of any construction activities.

      4.   Combined Methodologies

      The preservation and mitigation standards of this section must be satisfied by one of the following two options.

         a.   Set Aside Methodology Combined with Inventory or Appraisal Methodologies or a Combination of Both Methodologies

            (1)   The preservation and mitigation standards of this section must be satisfied by the set aside of an area of the site as NUOS in conformance with the standards found in Section 7.7.5.A.3, Set Aside Methodology. An area of up to 5% of the site area may be excluded from the 30 percent set aside area. The excluded area must be contiguous to and within the outer perimeter of the 30% set aside area. For the excluded area, the preservation and mitigation standards of this section are met by using Section 7.7.5.A.1, Plant Inventory Methodology; Section 7.7.5.A.2, Plant Appraisal Methodology; or Section 7.7.5.A.4.b, Inventory/Appraisal Methodology.

            (2)   Protected Native Plants to be transplanted on-site and/or replacement plants must be located outside of the set aside area. Protected Native Plants located outside of the set aside area that are preserved in place that are of the same size, genus, and species as those inventoried in the excluded area in accordance with Section 7.7.5.A.1, Plant Inventory Methodology, may be considered as being preserved in place on a one-to-one basis.

            (3)   The percent preservation on-site , outside of the set aside area, remains 50% for Ironwoods and Saguaros. (See Table 7.7.5-1, Protected Native Plant Preservation Credits and Mitigation Standards.)

         b.   Inventory or Appraisal Methodology

         Each genus and species of plants can be addressed by choosing either Section 7.7.5.A.1, Plant Inventory Methodology, or Section 7.7.5.A.2, Plant Appraisal Methodology. A summary table must be submitted showing the methodology chosen for each genus and species of Protected Native Plant found on the site .

   B.   General Plant Standards

   All replacement plants that are used on the site to satisfy the mitigation standards of this section must meet the following standards.

      1.   Minimum Size Standards

      All replacement plants that are brought to the site to satisfy the mitigation standards of this section must meet the following minimum size standards:

         a.   Saguaros and Ocotillos must be at least four feet in height, or if the replacement plants are salvaged and transplanted from the project site , then such plants shall be at least two feet in height;

         b.   Trees must be in at least 15-gallon containers and must comply with the minimum sizes as provided by the Arizona Nursery Association Grower’s Committee Recommended Average Tree Specifications;

         c.   Barrel Cacti (Ferocactus acanthodes and Ferocactus wislezenii) must be at least one foot in height or diameter;

         d.   All other cacti, except Saguaros, must be at least four inches in height; and,

         e.   All yuccas and shrubs must be grown in at least five gallon containers.

      2.   Plant Health Standards

      All Protected Native Plants that are brought to the site to satisfy the mitigation standards of this section must be in good health and condition and must be provided with the necessary irrigation and maintenance designed to ensure their establishment and good health for the duration of any stay in a temporary holding area and after placement in a permanent location on-site .

      3.   Placement Standards

      All Protected Native Plants must be planted in locations able to support their long-term health and survival and must be planted in densities and configurations to approximate the natural character of the Sonoran Desert.

      4.   Salvage Standards

      All plants that are salvaged and transplanted on-site must be rated as Viable and Transplantable in accordance with Section 7.7.5.A.1.b, Native Plant Viability and Transferability Status, prior to relocation.

      5.   Identification Standards

      All Protected Native Plants must be properly tagged and/or permitted in accordance with the Federal Endangered Species Act, the Arizona Native Plant Law, and this section, as applicable.

      6.   Containerized Plant Standards

      Containerized plants used to meet the standards of this section must be protected with browse control cages or some other technique proven to be effective in deterring herbivores.

   C.   Plant Protection During Development

      1.   Tagging and Flagging Standards

      All Protected Native Plants designated by the approved Native Plant Preservation Plan to be preserved-in-place, salvaged and transplanted on-site , or removed from the site for transplant elsewhere must be tagged with an identification number and flagged with color coding so that final disposition is easily identified per the standards below.

         a.   All plants must be tagged with an embossed metal, or approved equal, inventory number that cross references to the inventory list and aerial photograph and color-coded flagging according to the following schedule so that the disposition of each plant can be easily identified. Plants within fenced NUOS areas do not require tagging or flagging. Note that plants that are not Viable and are proposed for destruction do not require tagging or flagging. Plants that are Viable and are proposed for destruction require inventory number tags and flagging:

            (1)   Blue Flagging

            Plants proposed for transplant on-site ;

            (2)   Yellow Flagging

            Plants proposed for removal off-site ; and,

            (3)   White Flagging

            Plants proposed for preservation-in-place .

         b.   Tags must be located in a consistent, visible location on each plant. The initial inspection by City staff will be performed once the tagging , flagging, and/or fencing of NUOS areas has been completed and an inspection request has been received by City staff. A note must be added to the plans that instructs the contractor/owner to call for the inspection.

         c.   Once affixed, the tags may not be removed until the approved Native Plant Preservation Plan is implemented and a final inspection and sign-off has been performed by the project monitor and City staff. The tags must be removed after final inspection.

         d.   The color-coded flagging legend must be given to each crew supervisor and displayed on a poster in three prominent locations on the project site for viewing by the public and construction crew personnel.

      2.   Fencing Standards

      All Protected Native Plants designated by the approved Native Plant Preservation Plan to be preserved-in-place and all areas designated to remain undisturbed or as NUOS must be fenced off in accordance with Section 7.7.5.C.4, Fencing Standard. No plants may be salvaged from within fenced areas per this section. Fencing must remain in place for the duration of construction activities.

      3.   Plant Nondisturbance Area

      All plants designated by the approved Native Plant Preservation Plan to be preserved-in-place must be retained at their existing grade during and after construction for a distance as outlined in Section 7.7.5.C.4, Fencing Standards.

      4.   Fencing Standards

         a.   Fencing is required during construction for all undisturbed natural desert areas of Protected Native Plants and for individual Protected Native Plants to be preserved-in-place. The area to be fenced must be beyond the “drip-line ” of the vegetation by one-half the distance of the “drip-line ” radius. For Saguaros and cacti, the area to be fenced must be equal to the distance of one-half the height of the plant. The preservation of a substantial portion of the root system for either undisturbed natural desert areas of Protected Native Plants or individual Protected Native Plants preserved-in-place will improve the survival rate and health of these plants as well as preserve a portion of their associated plant community . Grading and construction that encroaches into the required root zone may be allowed on a case-by-case basis as determined by an inspector with the Planning and Development Services Department depending upon the size and species of the Native Plant. Under no circumstances may grading encroach to the base or trunk of a Native Plant.

         b.   The site developer must include language in all contracts with contractors about the importance of staying out of all undisturbed natural desert areas and away from all individual Protected Native Plants to be preserved-in-place.

      5.   On-Site Monitoring

      On-site monitoring of all aspects of site clearing, grading , plant protection, preservation, salvage, and mitigation must be provided during project construction at the expense of the developer for all residential development that is over five acres and for all commercial and industrial development that is over one acre . The monitoring must be performed by an individual who is qualified in arid lands native plant resource identification and protection as specified in Section 7.7.4.D, Professional Expertise. The monitor must provide periodic progress reports to the developer outlining the status of work accomplished and any problems encountered. A copy of these reports must be submitted to the PDSD for the project file.

      6.   Submittal Compliance

      The monitor is responsible for an assessment of the condition of the site ’s plants one year after the final inspection has been performed on the site . The monitor shall visit the site and prepare a report on plant status, including general plant condition, the identification of plants under stress and the appropriate method to relieve the stress, and recommendations for replacement of plants that are dead or dying. Dead or dying plants must be replaced with the same size plant at a one-to-one ratio of like genus and species. Copies of the report must be submitted to the site owner/developer and to PDSD. The owner must respond to the plant needs as outlined in the status report within six months of report submittal or within a shorter period if required to improve the health of stressed plants and prevent plant loss.