§ 34-449. Tree protection standards.

(a)

Protection requirements during construction . During site development, protection requirements for trees designated for preservation under an approved tree removal permit shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1)

Protective barriers shall be placed around the drip line of each tree, cluster of trees, or the edge of the preservation area no less than six feet (in radius) from the trunk of any protected tree cluster, or preservation area unless a lesser distance is specified by the administrative official. Protective barriers shall be a minimum of four feet above ground level and shall be constructed of wood, plastic or metal, and shall remain in place until development is completed and the administrative official has authorized their removal. Protective barriers shall be in place prior to the start of any construction.

(2)

Understory plants within protective barriers shall be protected.

(3)

No excess oil, fill, equipment, building materials or building debris shall be placed within the areas surrounded by protective barriers, nor shall there be disposal of any waste material such as paints, oils, solvents, asphalt, concrete, mortar or any other material harmful to trees or understory plants within the areas surrounded by protective barriers, or any ground surfaces or existing drainage facilities on the site.

(4)

Trees shall be braced in such a fashion as to not scar, penetrate, perforate or otherwise inflict damage to the tree.

(5)

Natural grade shall be maintained within protective barriers. In the event that the natural grade of the site is changed as a result of site development such that the safety of the tree may be endangered, tree wells or retaining walls are required.

(6)

Underground utility lines shall be placed outside the areas surrounded by protective barriers. If said placement is not possible, disturbance shall be minimized by using techniques such as tunneling or overhead utility lines.

(7)

Fences and walls shall be constructed to avoid disturbance to any protected tree. Postholes and trenches located close to trees shall be dug by hand and adjusted as necessary, using techniques such as discontinuous footings, to avoid damage to major roots.

(8)

A drip line encroachment plan, as defined in this chapter.

(b)

Tree relocation standards. The relocation of any tree subject to the provisions of these regulations shall be consistent with the minimum standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the tree relocation standards promulgated by this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2010-10-218, § 2(14-110), 4-7-2010)