A. Open Space Set-Aside. Land area devoted to reforestation or to the retention of existing trees during and after development activity shall be credited towards any passive open space set-aside requirements in Section 5.7.4, Minimum Open Space Set-Aside Requirements.
B. Required Landscaping.
1. Existing healthy, well-formed canopy and understory trees that are retained on site during and after development shall be credited toward the minimum landscaping requirements in Section 5.6, Landscaping, provided:
a. The vegetation to be credited shall meet the minimum size standards for required landscaping;
b. The vegetation to be credited conforms with all species requirements and does not include noxious weeds or other nuisance vegetation;
c. The vegetation to be credited is protected before and during development in accordance with Section 5.9.5: Tree Protection Devices, prior to the start of any land-disturbing activities; and
d. The location of the existing vegetation contributes to the screening or buffering functions of the landscaping.
2. As an incentive for retention of existing trees, existing trees meeting the standards in (A) above that are retained during and after development shall be credited towards the minimum landscaping requirements in this Ordinance at a rate of 1.25 times the tree's actual caliper or diameter at breast height.
(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)