FINAL ORDINANCE NO. 08-077 - Laserfiche WebLink

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SECTION :: e:.: City Council of the City of ; Lake Elmo hereby amends Title XV: Land Usage; Chapter 154: Zoning Code, by adding the following language: §154.250 Purpose §154.257 Tree Preservation 5154.250 Purpose The purpose of this section is to provide regulations of general applicability for property throughout the City that are intended to protect or enhance natural resources and processes, and minimize conflicts among land uses. 5154.257 Tree Preservation A. Purpose. Within the city of Lake Elmo, trees and woodlands are considered a valuable asset to the community. The City places a priority on protecting this asset and finds that it is in the best interest to regulate the development and alteration of wooded areas within the community. All builders, developers and subdividers shalt comply with all the provisions in the Zoning Code which address the preservation of existing significant trees. All builders, developers and subdividers are encouraged to preserve all healthy trees of significant value even if the trees do not meet the size requirements to be considered significant trees. B. Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shalt have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Common Tree. Includes Ash, Aspen, Basswood, Box Elder, Catalpa, Cottonwood, Elm, Hackberry, Locust, Poplar, Silver Maple, Willow and any other tree not defined as a hardwood deciduous tree or a coniferous/evergreen tree. Coniferous/Evergreen Tree. A wood plant, which, at maturity, is at least twelve (12) feet or more in height, having foliage on the outermost portion of the branches year-round. Tamaracks are included as a coniferous tree species. Critical Root Zone (CRZ). An imaginary circle surrounding the tree trunk with a radius distance of one (1) foot per one (1) inch of tree diameter. E.g. a twenty -inch diameter has a critical root zone with a radius of twenty (20) feet. Deciduous Hardwood Tree. Includes Birch, Cherry, Hickory, Ironwood, Hard Maples, Oak and Walnut.