This Landscaping Standards Section applies to all zoning districts.
(a) Landscape Credits: The reservation of an existing healthy tree shall continue an in- kind credit toward meeting the landscape requirements of this chapter. A credit shall be granted per tree that contributes to and satisfies similarly the intent of a particular section of this chapter. The following credits shall be granted for an existing tree as follows:
(1) For each preserved deciduous tree over four (4) inches but less than eight (8) inches DBH (diameter at breast height), a credit for three (3) deciduous trees shall be granted.
(2) For each preserved deciduous tree over eight (8) inches but less than twelve (12) inches DBH, a credit for four (4) deciduous trees shall be granted.
(3) For each preserved deciduous tree over twelve (12) inches DBH, a credit for five (5) deciduous trees shall be granted. The Building and Zoning Inspector may grant larger credits for trees over twelve (12) inches DBH upon request.
(4) For each preserved evergreen tree over six (6) feet tall but less than ten (10) feet tall shall be granted credit for two (2) evergreen trees.
(5) For each preserved evergreen tree over ten (10) feet tall, there shall be granted credit for three (3) evergreen trees. The Building and Zoning Inspector may grant larger credits for evergreen trees over ten (10) feet tall upon request.
(b) Tree Conservation: If preserving the natural landscape is chosen, prior to construction on or removal of trees from a wooded area, the following standards apply.
(1) Provide a Tree Conservation Plan outlining strategies for retaining, protecting, and replanting trees on a site. (The Ohio Department of Natural Resources can provide guidance.)
(2) Prepare a Tree Conservation Map that outlines existing tree cover, priority protection areas, proposed grading, and proposed protective devices.
(3) Within the designated conservation areas, no trees with a DBH in excess of six (6) inches or evergreens eight (8) feet or more in height shall be removed from any lot unless trees are:
A. Within the building site pad;
B. Within fifteen (15) feet of the perimeter of the primary structure or accessory structures;
C. Between the front of the primary structure and the interior roadway of the subdivision; and/or
D. Required to be removed in order to comply with safety requirements of any governmental agency.
(4) Tree retention areas shall be a minimum of thirty-five (35) feet wide and minimum contiguous area of ten thousand (10,000) square feet.
(5) A builder who violates the Tree Conservation Plan once established and improperly removes trees shall be required to reestablish such trees consistent with the trees removed. For example, if a six-inch (6") DBH tree is removed, the builder may reestablish such tree by installing three (3) two-inch (2") DBH trees or two (2) three-inch (3") DBH trees to total the DBH of the tree removed.
(c) Specimen Tree: Prior to construction around a specimen tree in a tree conservation area, the following standards apply:
(1) Install highly visible (orange) construction fencing around the tree a minimum of twice the radius of the drip-line tree.
(2) Avoid injuring roots with installing anchoring posts for fencing.
(3) Signs should be posted clearly identifying the plant protection zone.
(4) If a portion greater than thirty percent (30%) of the area within the drip-line is unavoidably impacted, applicant shall install a root aeration system, tree well, retaining wall, or raised boardwalk as appropriate permanent protection. (Ord. 22-089. Passed 12-5-22.)