§ 118-102. Required tree preservation and maintenance measures.

(a)

The following tree preservation measures shall be implemented on all construction sites as applicable:

(1)

Grade changes. The site should be designed to utilize the existing topography to the greatest extent possible. The project should be designed to require zero grade change or the smallest grade change possible around existing trees.

(2)

Clearing procedures. The owner or developer shall be responsible for ensuring that all possible measures are taken during the clearing process to avoid damage to trees designated to remain after construction. This shall include use of hand labor rather than large machinery where necessary to protect trees to be preserved.

(3)

Protective barricades.

a.

Protective barricades shall be constructed prior to clearing around all trees designated to remain. These barricades shall be located at the dripline of the trees and shall be approximately four feet in height. The barricade should be rigid and sturdy enough to survive the construction period; however, any suitable new or scrap material may be used in its construction.

b.

Absolutely no fill, building materials, trash or other objects shall be placed inside these barriers. No equipment will be parked or stored inside these barriers. If fill is deposited adjacent to these areas, a suitable temporary or permanent retaining structure shall be constructed to prevent siltation of the barricaded area.

(4)

Construction of tree wells. Tree wells of an approved design shall be constructed around all trees where over four inches of fill is proposed within the dripline area. Design shall generally be as specified in the Tree Protection Manual for Builders and Developers, published by the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, latest edition. Specific details shall be approved by the planning director in consultation with the city engineer and, where the city deems appropriate, in consultation with the county forester.

(5)

Use of alternate surfaces in traffic areas. Where traffic areas are proposed at or near natural grade, alternate pervious surfaces such as "Turf-block" or percolating asphalt may be required in tree dripline areas. Specific details shall be approved by the planning director in consultation with the city engineer and, where the city deems appropriate, in consultation with the county forester.

(6)

Excavations.

a.

Swaling and minor negative grade changes should always be designed around the dripline area as much as possible. Piping should be used where deep swales or ditches would require significant grade changes adjacent to trees.

b.

Trenching of any type should be avoided in the dripline area. Where underground installations are required adjacent to the trunks of trees, tunneling should be used. When trenching or tunneling is near trees to remain, protective measures should be taken as specified in the Tree Protection Manual for Builders and Developers.

(7)

Attaching signs or other objects to trees. It shall be unlawful to attach a sign or other object of a permanent or temporary nature to a tree by the use of nails, wire or any other method that may be harmful to the tree.

(b)

Maintenance. The landowner is responsible for maintaining all required plant materials and planting areas in good health and appearance.

(1)

Trees planted or maintained on a site must maintain their natural growth habits.

(2)

All landscaping saved or planted pursuant to this article shall be maintained in a healthy, living condition in perpetuity.

(3)

All tree pruning shall conform to the ANSI A300 standards for tree care operations.

(4)

Any dead, unhealthy, abusively pruned, topped or missing plants (preserved or planted) shall be replaced with new plant material meeting the size and quality specifications of this article, and shall be replanted within 90 days. Failure to replant landscaping material within 90 days shall be a violation of this article.

(5)

Destruction of trees by neglect is a violation of this article.

(6)

The ANSI A300 standard practices for pruning trees will typically be utilized when trimming trees in power easements; however, utility companies may be exempt from the provisions of this ordinance with regard to trimming trees when it is determined necessary by the city's electric utility director or the city's planning director.

(7)

Irrigation systems installed to meet the requirements of this article must be maintained in proper operating condition.

(Code 1985, § 7-1126; Ord. No. 2117, § 2, 10-24-89; Ord. No. 5005, § 5, 11-27-01)