In all zoning districts, developers shall plant and maintain shade trees along public streets in compliance with the following:
(a) Species. Trees shall be limited to species found in the Wooster City Urban Forestry Policy Manual, current edition. If other species are desired, the developer must apply to the Urban Forestry Commission for approval.
(b) Quantity, Size, and Location Requirements.
(1) One large deciduous tree shall be provided for every 40 linear feet of frontage, or fraction thereof, along each road.
(2) Trees shall be planted in accordance with the Wooster City Urban Forestry Policy Manual, current edition.
(3) In the C-4 District, street trees shall be planted in sidewalk pits in accordance with the Wooster City Urban Forestry Policy Manual, current edition. The sidewalk pits shall have a minimum dimension of five feet by five feet.
(4) Street trees shall be planted in the public right-of-way, however, due to varying conditions near public roads and rights-of-way, street trees may be located elsewhere on the property at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission, as applicable.
(c) Installation.
(1) In the case of residential subdivisions, street trees shall be planted on developed lots after 75 percent of the residential dwelling units have been occupied or received a certificate of zoning compliance. Undeveloped residential subdivision lots at the time of the above required street tree planting shall have street trees planted prior to receiving a certificate of zoning compliance.
(2) For all other developments that require the approval of a development plan pursuant to Section 1105.07, street trees shall be planted prior to receiving a certificate of zoning compliance.
(d) Maintenance. The developer shall be required to maintain the trees for two years after the trees are planted and to replace any tree that dies within such two-year guarantee period.
(1) Upon completion of the street tree planting, the landscape contractor shall contact the Zoning Administrator.
(2) The two year guarantee period shall begin after the approval from the Zoning Administrator and submission of a financial guarantee in accordance with Section 1129.04(g).
(3) A final inspection shall be made at the end of the guarantee period.
(4) The developer shall notify the Zoning Administrator within five business days of the end of the guarantee period to schedule the final inspection.
(5) All trees not exhibiting a healthy, vigorous growing condition, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, shall be replaced at the expense of the developer or builder.
(6) If the Zoning Administrator determines that replacement of a tree is required, such replacement shall occur within 30 days of the date the City's inspection report is submitted to the developer. The two-year guarantee period shall begin anew for each replacement tree.
(7) Developments requiring 10 or more street trees shall require the developer to deposit a guarantee amount equal to 50 percent of the total cost of providing and installing the street trees as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The deposit shall be in the form of a financial guarantee as defined in Section 1129.04(g).
(Ord. 2018-009. Passed 5-7-18.)