Item 1B Tree Preservation Ordinance

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City of Forest Lake WOODLAND PRESERVATION REGULATIONS ~ 153.295 PURPOSE. The purpose of this section is to govern the preservation and protection of trees and woodlands within the city. The city recognizes the value of trees and woodlands for absorbing air pollutants, reducing noise, providing shade, providing wildlife habitat, providing visual amenity, and preventing soil erosion and siltation. This section is adopted to ensure that development occurs in a manner that protects and preserves these valuable resources. (Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004) ~ 153.296 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. APPLICANT. Any person or entity that is required to submit and implement an approved Woodland Preservation Plan under this subchapter. CALIPER INCH. The diameter of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above ground level. CONIFEROUS TREES. A wood plant which, at maturity, is at least 12 feet or more in height and has foliage on the outermost portions of the branches year round. CONSTRUCTION ZONE. Any area in which movement of earth, alteration in topography, soil compaction, disruption of vegetation, change in soil chemistry, or other change in the natural character of the land occurs as a result of the site preparation, grading, building construction, or any other construction activity. CRITICAL ROOT ZONE (CRZ). An imaginary circle surrounding the tree trunk radius distance of 1 foot per 1 inch of tree diameter (a 20 inch diameter tree has a CRZ with a radius of 20 feet). DRIP LINE. The farthest distance away from the trunk that rain or dew will directly fall to the ground from the leaves or branches of the tree. HARDWOOD DECIDUOUS TREE. Includes ironwood, oak, maple (hard), walnut, ash, hickory, birch, black cherry, hackberry, locust, and basswood.