Item 1B Tree Preservation Ordinance

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They have also identified woodland preservation areas and buffer/screening areas that limit tree destruction regardless of tree size. Replacement Tree replacement is a simple concept, but to be equitable it can become a very complex procedure. For example, an ordinance may require that the loss of a 30-inch diameter tree must be replaced with the planting of fifteen two-inch diameter trees. However, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible to find enough suitable planting locations for the replacement trees. In addition, this particular approach can fail to mitigate the environmental effect of mature tree loss. Other ordinances require that percentages of specific sizes and species of trees must be replaced based on what was there before the development occurred. A variety of replacement strategies are possible including: . requiring developers to set aside wooded areas as preserves; . sliding scales that require greater replacement of caliper inches as the size of the impacted tree increases; . percentage replacement which requires that a certain percentage of each parcel be wooded, typically this is designated by zoning district; · flexible no-net loss formulas that require developers to replace 100 percent ofthe caliper inches lost, either on site or off site. . Or combinations of the above that require tree replacement based on the location and size of the trees lost. Each approach has its advantages and disadvantages, none is perfect. When replacement oftrees is included in an ordinance, the questions, "why, how much, and where?" need to be primary considerations. Incentives Developing an ordinance which creates incentives can be a positive way to achieve compliance. Many incentives exist to encourage tree preservation. The priorities set by the City Council will dictate how much or if incentives will be written into the code to encourage the type of development that is most desirable. If the goal is to create a policy of preservation, then the intent of a tree preservation ordinance should be to provide incentives for unique and creative project designs that complement the woodlands and replace excessive tree loss. Such incentives could include: . Setback reductions for trees saved . Height or density transfers for trees saved . Unit bonuses for land dedicated for replanting, or trees saved City of Arden Hills City Council Work Session for October 22, 2007 \lAhdocsJIAHlAHdatalPlanning\Planning Cases\2007\OX-OXXTree Preservation Ordinauce\102207 - CC Work Session - Tree Preservation.doc Page 5 of 6