(a) All major trees shall be preserved unless exempted, as follows: The Zoning Officer may approve the cutting down, removal or destruction of a major tree when the tree interferes with the proper development of a lot, provided that the lot is the subject of application for approval of a zoning certificate, a site plan, a development plan, a variance, or a conditional use permit and one of the following applies:
(1) The tree will be located within a public right-of-way or easement.
(2) The tree is located within the area to be covered by proposed structures or within twelve feet from the perimeter of structures, and the proposed structures cannot be located in a manner to avoid removal of the tree at the same time permitting desirable and logical development of the lot.
(3) The tree will be located within a proposed driveway designed to service a single-family home.
(4) The tree is damaged, diseased or a safety hazard.
(5) The tree is an undesirable species in its present location.
(b) Preservation of Wooded Areas. When preparing and reviewing subdivision plans and landscaping plans, good faith effort shall be made to preserve natural vegetation areas. Streets, lots, structures and parking areas shall be laid out to avoid the unnecessary destruction of heavily wooded areas or outstanding tree specimens. Developers of land are encouraged to designate heavily wooded areas as park reserves.
(Ord. 02-55(A). Passed 3-4-03.)