05/10/2000 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • AGENDA ITEM VI. A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Smyser, Julie Farnham of TKDA P & Z MEETING DATE: May 10, 2000 TOPIC: Draft Tree Preservation Ordinance Discussion BACKGROUND Staff has been working with a consultant to prepare a new tree preservation ordinance. The draft is attached. Julie Farnham of TKDA will present the ordinance and lead the discussion. The new ordinance will do several things, including: • Codify and clarify tree preservation requirements for private development in one ordinance. • Require a tree preservation plan and clearly describe the elements of such a plan, including a tree inventory, tree replacement, protection for remaining trees, and financial securities to ensure performance in compliance with the plan. • Establish a clearly defined tree replacement ratio. As the amount of tree loss increases, the required percentage of replacement increases. This is an incentive to minimize tree loss. For example, if 10% to 20% of the significant trees on the site are removed, the replacement requirement is 40% of the lost tree diameter inches. If 90% of the significant trees are lost, 120% of the diameter inches must be replaced. These ratios differ for the type of development. Single family, which uses more land, has the highest rate of replacement. We discussed the ordinance at two meetings of the Environmental Board. That board approved this draft with one remaining question about the requirement for building on single family lots. The ordinance focus is development projects, but does address home building to a lesser degree. Staff plans to hold a public hearing on this ordinance at the June 14 P & Z meeting. The discussion at the May 10 meeting will allow us to address any questions from the P & Z before the hearing. Ultimately, the ordinance must be approved by the City Council. RECOMMENDATION No action is needed tonight. Staff is requesting direction on amending the draft ordinance.