2015-10-07_PC_Agenda_Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment D 1 2 Definitions being added or amended: 3 Caliper Inch Measurement –The standard of tree trunk measurement for replacement or 4 landscaping trees. The caliper inch measurement of the trunk shall be taken at six (6) inches 5 above the ground for trees up to and including four (4) inch caliper size, and twelve (12) inches 6 above the ground for trees larger than four (4) inch caliper. 7 Coniferous/Evergreen Tree–Awoody plant having foliage on the outermost portions of the 8 branches year-round which at maturity is at least twelve (12) feet or more in height. Tamaracks 9 and Larch are included as coniferous tree species. 10 Deciduous Tree– A woody plant, which sheds leaves annually, having a defined crown and at 11 maturity is at least fifteen (15) feet or more in height. 12 Diameter Breast Height (DBH) –The diameter of trees at breast height, measured 4 ½ feet (54 13 inches) above the ground. Multi-stem trees shall be considered as one tree with the measurement Commented \[BGA1\]: 14 We now address what should be done in the event that a multi-stemmed tree is of the largest stem at Diameter Breast Height constituting the size of the tree. 15 encountered. Dripline –A vertical line extending from the outer surface of a tree’s branch tips down to the Commented \[BGA2\]: 16 A definition for “dripline” has now been added as we allow applicants, at their ground. 17 discretion, to require a greater protection zone via dripline if they so choose to do so. Invasive. Any tree species that is not native to Minnesota or its regional ecosystem that can 18 spread or be spread into any non-cultivated soil site and establish itself, expanding the plant 19 species’ population by its own volition and generally harm, destroy or prevent native plants. 20 Invasive tree species include Norway Maple, Black Locust, Amur Maple, Siberian Elm, and 21 Buckthorn. 22 Tree Protection Zone –An area around a tree defined by either the tree’s unique dripline, or the 23 Commented \[BGA3\]: By creating a “typical” root protection zone, we establish a system where MOST trees tree’s typical root protection zone. 24 will be fully protected. Individual trees and species types may have root zones that protrude further than this Typical Root Protection Zone –A circle radius around a tree in feet equal to 1.25 times the tree’s 25 standard, but completing individual assessments on a per tree basis can place a large financial burden on an diameter breast height for both deciduous and coniferous trees. 26 applicant. As this ordinance will impact individual property owners and not just deep pocket developers, 27 instituting a reasonable approach was our goal. Note that many communities use a 1:1 ratio, and some use a 1: 1.5; we have chosen this intermediate ratio, but would also support an increase to 1.5 to be more conservative. S&S believes either will work (with 1.5 obviously providing additional protection). Should an applicant wish to be MORE protective, this ordinance would allow them to utilize driplines to define protection boundaries, but in no instance would a protection zone be any less than the defined Typical Root Protection Zone.