The purpose of the requirements in this chapter is to provide for appropriate landscaping and screening of parking and other outdoor areas that shall:
(a) To conserve and protect to the greatest extent possible the city's existing trees, wooded areas, and fence rows;
(b) To enhance and promote the community image;
(c) To enhance and preserve economic property values and the quality of life in the city;
(d) To aid in the alleviation of erosion, siltation, and other harmful effects of land disturbing activities;
(e) To aid in controlling the quantity and intensity of storm water runoff;
(f) To alleviate air pollution and non-point source water pollution;
(g) To reduce noise pollution and light glare;
(h) To conserve energy; to protect and promote the use of existing vegetation as noise and visual buffers;
(i) To preserve the environmental and ecological benefit of trees on air pollution and carbon dioxide levels as well as dust filtration;
(j) To reduce energy consumption through the wind break and shade effects of trees when they are properly placed on a site;
(k) To preserve and enhance nesting areas for birds and other wildlife and to preserve movement corridors for wildlife;
(l) To promote the preservation, replacement and/or augmentation of trees that might otherwise be damaged or removed in the course of land development and building construction;
(m) And to promote the public health, safety, and welfare through the preservation and replacement of trees while allowing for the reasonable development of lands in such a manner that implements the stated goals, objectives, policies and standards of the city. (Ord. 19-91. Passed 9-9-19.)