27.71.150 Preservation of Existing Trees.
(a) Evaluation of Existing Trees. Trees over six (6) inches in trunk diameter, measured at 54 inches from natural grade and Protected Trees as defined in Chapter 13.40 shall be evaluated on the basis of species, size, condition, location and classification as a Protected Tree.
(b) Required Submittals. To evaluate the existing trees the landscape plan and a tree evaluation schedule shall be submitted with the planning application showing:
(1) The location of all existing trees six (6) inches or greater in trunk diameter (measured at 54 inches from natural grade), noting which are to be removed and which are located within the allowable building area;
(2) Trunk diameter in inches measured 54 inches above natural grade;
(3) Species name and species value as determined by utilizing the most recent edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers;
(4) Condition and location value of trees as determined by an ISA Certified Arborist;
(5) The total LU value of trees to be removed; and
(6) The total LU value of replacement trees.
(c) Landscape Unit Value (LU).
(1) The tree species, condition, and location values of the trees shall be based on an evaluation by an experienced landscape appraiser recognized by the American Society of Consulting Arborists utilizing the most recent Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers; and approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(2) Trees not within the allowable building area shall receive a location factor of 1.0 (100%). Trees located within the allowable building area shall receive a location factor of .70 (70%).
(3) Trees designated as heritage trees shall receive a bonus percentage value of 1.25 (125%). Trees located within the allowable building area shall receive a location factor of .70 (70%).
(4) Trees designated as heritage trees shall receive a bonus percentage value of 1.25 (125%). The species, condition and location value assume an average tree value to be .70 (.7 x .7 x .7 = .343). All existing trees to be removed shall be given a LU value based upon the following calculation:
| species value% x condition value% x location value% | Trunk diameter inches x bldg. | |||
| ___________________________________________ | x | ________________________ | = | LU |
| .35 | setback% x heritage tree% |
(d) Tree Replacement. Existing trees to be removed shall be replaced with new trees to equal the total removed LU value. The following rates shall be given to replacement trees to obtain the replacement LU value:
| LU Value | Replacement Tree Size |
|---|---|
| 1 | 15-gallon |
| 2 | 24-inch box |
| 3 | 36-inch box |
| 4 | 48-inch box |
The LU value for replacement Street Trees shall be calculated separately from other replacement trees.
(e) Preservation of Heritage Trees. The site design shall make every reasonable effort to preserve Heritage Trees, consistent with Chapter 13.40. Conditions shall also be imposed to protect Heritage Trees during construction. Heritage Trees shall be removed only when the City Arborist determines that their preservation would result in a threat to health, safety, and welfare due to a hazardous tree condition, impacts on soil erosion and stability, or an unreasonable effect upon the economic enjoyment of the property, consistent with Chapter 13.40.
(f) Protection of Existing Trees. The site design shall make reasonable effort to protect existing trees. The design shall be evaluated as to how it protects existing trees or the reasons for removal of existing trees. Tree protection measures shall be provided for trees to remain on-site, which shall be consistent with Chapter 13.40 and imposed as a condition of approvals.
(g) Alternates to On-Site Replacement. If the required LU value for replacement of existing trees to be removed is not made up with replacement trees on-site, the City shall require that trees be planted in another location on-site or off-site or a contribution of funds be made to the City to be used for plantings on public land or a combination of the above options. If a contribution of funds is required, it shall be the fee as established by resolution of the City Council in the annual Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
