§ 630-50. Tree Preservation and Replacement Requirements.

The following guidelines and standards shall apply to trees proposed to be preserved for credit toward meeting the minimum required Tree Density Standard on a property and to all boundary trees extending into permitting property.

630-50.1   Tree Protection Areas.

A.

The root system is generally within the dripline or Critical Root Zone. To protect these critical roots, a Tree Protection Area shall be established around each tree or group of trees to be retained.

B.

The Tree Protection Area shall include no less than the total area beneath the tree canopy as defined by the dripline or Critical Root Zone of the tree or group of trees collectively.

C.

Site Utility and Grading Plans shall clearly indicate that the Tree Protection Areas will not be disturbed.

D.

Construction site activities such as parking, materials storage, concrete washout, burnhole placement, etc., shall be arranged so as to prevent disturbances within Tree Protection Areas.

630-50.2   Protective Barriers.

A.

Protective tree fencing shall be installed between buffers, Tree Protection Areas and areas proposed to be cleared, graded, or otherwise disturbed on the site, prior to any land disturbance.

B.

All Tree Protection Areas shall be designated as such with "tree save area signs" posted in addition to the required protective fencing. Signs requesting subcontractor cooperation and compliance with tree protection standards are recommended for site entrances.

C.

All Tree Protection Areas must be protected from soil sedimentation intrusion through the use of silt screens or other acceptable measures placed up-slope from the tree protection area.

D.

All protective tree fencing and all erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and maintained throughout the land-disturbing and construction process, and should not be removed until final landscaping is installed.

630-50.3   Encroachment. If encroachment into a Tree Protection Area occurs causing irreparable damage to the trees, the Tree Preservation and/or Replacement Plan shall be revised to compensate for the loss. Under no circumstances shall the developer be relieved of responsibility for compliance with the provisions of this Chapter of the UDO, nor shall plan revision activities stop the Department from instituting action for violation of this Chapter of the UDO.