(a) General. Existing features that would add value to residential development or to the local government as a whole, such as trees, watercourses, historic sites, and similar irreplaceable assets, shall be preserved if possible.
(b) Shade Trees Planted by Developer.
(1) As a requirement of subdivision approval the applicant shall plant shade trees on the property of the subdivision. At the discretion of Planning Commission, such trees are to be planted within the right-of-way or within an easement desidnated for that purpose. One (1) tree shall be planted for every forty (40) feet of frontage along each road unless the Planning Commission, upon recommendation of the City Engineer, shall grant a waiver.
(2) New trees to be provided pursuant to these regulations shall be approved by the City Engineer and shall be planted in accordance with the recommendations of the City Engineer. The trees shall have a minimum trunk diameter (measured twelve [12] inches above ground level) of not less than two (2) inches. Only Oak, Honey Locust, Hard Maples, Ginkgo, or other long-lived shade trees, acceptable to the City Engineer and to the Planning Commission, shall be planted.
(3) Shade Tree Easement and Dedication. The preliminary plat and final plat shall reserve an easement authorizing the local government to plant shade trees with five (5) feet of the required right-of-way of the local government. No street shall be accepted for dedication until the City Engineer shall inform the Planning Commission and Council that compliance, where necessary, has been made with these regulations.
(Ord. 2004-40. Passed 5-24-04.)