§ 105-206. Minimum tree density requirements.

(a)

All lots within the city shall maintain a minimum tree density of 400 caliper inches per acre. The density requirement must be met whether or not a lot had trees prior to development. The density may be achieved by counting existing trees to be preserved, planting new trees in accordance with the minimum standards of this article, or some combination of the two. Minimum tree density shall be calculated and established pursuant to the following formula and analysis: LDF-EDF equals RDF.

Where: LDF (lot density factor)—The minimum tree density required to be maintained on a lot (400 inches per acre).

EDF (exiting density factor)—Density of existing trees to be preserved on a lot.

RDF (replacement density factor)—Density of new trees to be planted on a lot.

The SDF is calculated by multiplying the number of lot acres by 400. Example: A 0.5-acre lot has a LDF of 0.5 × 400 equals 200 inches.

The RDF is calculated by subtracting the EDF from the LDF. Example: RDF equals 200 minus 15 (five three-inch caliper trees to remain) equals 185 (185 inches of replacement trees required).

(b)

All newly constructed single-family residential lots in the city shall maintain a minimum tree density based upon 400 caliper inches per acre. The developer shall base its density calculations on the net lot area, excluding the acreage for required buffers and infrastructure improvements (utility lines and easements). Trees located in required buffers are not to be counted toward the minimum density requirement.

(c)

The density may be achieved by counting existing trees to be preserved, including, but not limited to, those in the undisturbed buffer, planting new trees according to the minimum standards of this article, or some combination of the two.

(1)

No more than 30 percent of any one genus may be included in any replanting plan.

(2)

All trees to be planted to meet required replacement densities must be at least one-inch caliper and greater than or equal to six feet tall.

(3)

Specimen tree replacement/recompense trees must be at least four-inch caliper.

(4)

All trees must have a minimum of 200 square feet of pervious root zone.

(5)

A minimum of two trees must be located in the front yard of all properties, and two additional trees in the street side yard of corner lots.

(6)

Existing overstory trees less than four-inch caliper shall not be counted toward the replacement requirement.

(d)

Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this section, it is required that all reasonable efforts be made to save specimen trees. Reasonable efforts shall include, but not be limited to, alternate building design, building location, parking area layout, driveway location, and the like. If a specimen tree is to be removed, a plan or written document indicating the reason for the removal must be submitted to the administrator.

(1)

Specimen trees that cannot be saved must be replaced with trees having a total density equal to three times the value in inches of the tree removed with a minimum four-inch tree caliper. Specimen trees removed without prior approval shall be replaced with trees equal to five times the value in inches, with a minimum four-inch tree caliper. If the administrator determines that replacement trees cannot be planted on the same lot from which the tree(s) were removed, the administrator may approve an alternate public location(s) for replacement tree planting.

(2)

Size alone will determine whether a tree was of specimen quality if the tree is removed without approval, and there is no evidence of its condition.

(3)

In order to encourage the conservation of specimen trees and the incorporation of these trees into the design of projects, additional density credit will be given for specimen trees which are successfully saved by a design feature specifically designated for such purpose. Credit for any specimen tree thus saved would be two times the assigned unit value. The critical root zone of specimen trees will be protected with hog-back/wire-back tree save fencing with metal support poles.

(e)

For each removal request of more than four trees within a five-year period, it shall be demonstrated that at least 40 percent of the property area shall remain undisturbed after the requested removal.

( Ord. No. 323-16, § 1, 4-25-2016 )