Item 1B Tree Preservation Ordinance

Home Browse Search

. Reducing tree loss during redevelopment . Reducing damage to standing trees during construction . Providing replacement of trees lost during construction · Providing for planting trees where none occurred previously · Providing for maintenance of preserved trees after construction is complete . Reducing tree loss with new plats and minor subdivisions This list is far from exhaustive and the goals are not mutually exclusive; however, this is meant to be a starting point for further discussion. The above goals could apply to residential properties, commercial/industrial properties, or both. As discussed in the scope section of this report, it would be helpful to determine if one or both types of properties should be included. Scope The scope of the ordinance, and the policies that will accompany it, will set the tone and determine how much regulation a local authority desires to assert over the protection and/or preservation of its forest resource. The scope of this tree preservation ordinance is likely to include commercial, industrial, large- scale residential developments, and subdivisions submitted after the date of adoption of the ordinance. It could also include building additions, construction on individual residential lots, or any other project that requires a grading or building permit from the city. The scope and extent to which the ordinance affects development is up to the Council. Many tree preservation ordinances also affect other types ofprojects: . single and two-family lots, . parking lot expansions beyond a certain percent, . building additions, . a large amount of on-site grading above a certain percent, . building footprint expansions, . or any other proj ect that increases the impervious surface of a lot above a certain percent. Regardless of scope, a tree survey will be required for those projects which are determined to fall under the purview of the new ordinance. This survey must identify the significant or high priority trees on the site, their sizes, root zone, and species. In addition to identifYing which properties will be affected by the tree preservation ordinance, this code must also indicate the level of regulation to be undertaken, the extent to which lost trees must be mitigated or replaced, and penalties for not complying with the regulations. Tree preservation ordinances can be developed to coincide with current zoning or property subdivision regulations in the form oflandscape requirements. They can be very simple or complex in their scope. For example, a simple ordinance may stipulate that the cutting of any tree larger than a certain diameter can be done only by permit and must be within a designated City of Arden Hills City Council Work Session for October 22, 2007 llAhdocsl\AHIAHdatalPlanninglPlanning Cases\2007\OX-OXXTree Preservation Ordinancel102207 - CC Work Session - Tree Preservation. doc Page 3 of6