8.30.070 – Requirements for tree preservation plans

  1. A proposed Tree Preservation Plan shall include the following written and graphic information:
    1.1    A survey of existing trees six inches (6”) or more DBH within the entire site or lot, identifying
             their locations, size and species, and a plan overlaid on the survey or at the same scale
             showing proposed Construction Zones and Tree Preservation Zones.
    1.2    The proposed Tree Preservation Zone shall encompass all of the property having six inch (6”)
             DBH or larger trees that will not be disturbed by construction activities.  All buildings,
             structures, parking areas, driveways, stormwater management facilities, utilities, and other
             site improvements shall be located to minimize tree damage and removal; preference shall be
            given to tree preservation when reasonable alternatives are available for the location of  
            buildings and other site improvements.
    1.3   The proposed Construction Zone shall include only the areas to be directly affected by
            buildings, site improvements and grading activities related to the approved construction.  The
            Construction Zone shall be as small as possible, considering factors such as the depth of
            excavation, necessary spoil areas, and space required for access to construction activity.
    1.4    The location and description of protective fencing, root pruning, canopy pruning and other
             protective and conservation measures necessary to protect the trees within the Tree
             Conservation Zone shall be indicated.
  2. Standards:  Removal of trees shall be authorized by Tree Preservation Plans only when one or more of the following conditions exist, as determined by the City:
    2.1    The tree is diseased, dead or dying.
    2.2    The tree is damaged or injured to the extent that it is likely to die or become diseased, or
              such that it becomes a hazard.
    2.3    Removal of the tree is consistent with good forestry practices, that is, consideration is given
             to the species of the tree, location, conditions, age, safety, and the historic and aesthetic  
             value of the tree to be removed.
    2.4    Removal of the tree will enhance the health of remaining trees within the immediate vicinity.
    2.5    Removal of the tree is required to repair a sewer line or water main, or excavation for such
             repair will damage the tree to the extent that it is likely to die or become diseased.
    2.6    All reasonable efforts have been undertaken in the land planning, architectural and
             engineering design of the proposed building, building addition, development or site
             improvement to minimize tree damage and/or removal, and the tree or trees must be
             removed to provide adequate space for the permitted construction.
(2014-M-27: § 1; 2001-M-73: § 1)
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