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Requirements Tree Survey The first step in regulating tree preservation and replacement is determining what trees are present and what percentage are being impacted by a proposed project. Communities that have a tree preservation ordinance also require that submitted plans include a tree survey. This is essential in determining if the project will fall under the purview of the tree preservation and replacement regulations. For commercial, industrial, and large scale residential projects this would require a certified survey of trees from a licensed forester or landscape architect. For single-family and two-family redevelopment projects, this survey will likely be in the form of an informal sketch on an aerial photograph or drawing. In general, a tree survey would include only the significant trees on the lot and any large clumps of insignificant trees. It would also need to include an identification of the type.and size of any significant trees on the lot. Some ordinances also require that any trees that were damaged from unnatural means within the last two years be included on the survey as if they were still present. Preservation The heart of the ordinance should be the preservation of trees. There are many variations to the intent of tree preservation,but the bottom line becomes what you want to preserve. Based on comments from the Commission and the City Council it is likely that the tree preservation ordinance for Arden Hills will be based on a percentage of total trees lost on a site. In other words, the ordinance will identify a percentage of trees lost versus the total trees remaining in the form of a tolerance barometer. For example, if more than 10 percent of the trees are removed by a development, then the preservation ordinance would be triggered, and a tree survey and preservation/replacement plan would have to be submitted for approval. In this case, if fewer than 10 percent of the trees are impacted than the project could continue without a preservation/replacement plan. Currently, the City of Minnetonka has placed a moratorium on all development within the City while they reexamine several ordinances regarding their natural environment, including a tree preservation ordinance. They have drafted a unique tree preservation ordinance that distinguishes between significant trees and high priority trees(Attachment 6-1). Their ordinance allows cutting of significant trees within a certain construction and grading zone without any replacement,but cutting high priority trees any where on the site or significant trees outside of the construction zone requires stringent replacement. They have also identified woodland preservation areas and buffer/screening areas that limit tree destruction regardless of tree size. Comments from the October 22 Joint Work Session indicated that there may be an interest in distinguishing"high priority"trees and woodlands that would be protected to a greater degree than other kinds of trees. These might include 100 year oak trees or woodland areas that offer significant screening. This would require additional regulations that address penalties for City of Arden Hills P7RC Meeting for November 20,2007 IlAhdocs]WTAAHdatalPlanninglPlanning Cases12007I0X--OXX Tree Preservation Ordinance 11120117-PTRC Report-Tree Preservation.doe Page 4 of 6