A.

The following tree canopy standards apply to all commercial and residential projects prior to finalizing any 'Building' permit on any undeveloped lot or when the project proposes to increase existing development by more than fifty (50) percent on any partially developed lot. The tree canopy requirements pertain to all lots and is determined by the zoning district of the subject parcel. All submitted site plans and preliminary plats shall document the amount of tree canopy coverage preserved or planted, demonstrating how minimum percent coverage will be facilitated. As applicable, a landscaping plan shall be provided and written by a qualified professional arborist in conformance with the requirements of the CTC 16.12.060, and can also be used to document compliance with tree canopy requirements.

B.

Minimum tree canopy/tree cover requirements shall be as follows:

C.

When due to the presence of on-site constraints, such as utility infrastructure, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) standards or required easements, as an alternative to meeting a tree canopy requirement entirely through planting and retention, the Town may allow a payment in lieu of planting at the discretion of the public works director. This option would allow owners to contribute to a fund to meet part or all of the owner's obligation through off-site planting undertaken by the Town within the public right-of-way, parks, open-space, or public facilities. The program is intended to be utilized by applicants only in last case scenarios, where it is proven by the applicant that no other feasible option can be pursued.

D.

Replacement deciduous and broad-leaf evergreen trees shall have a minimum two-inch caliper at planting. Replacement coniferous evergreen trees shall have a minimum height of six feet at planting. Trees shall be planted in accordance with American National Standard (ANSI A) 300 and shall follow all tree care best management practices (BMPs) published by the International Society of Arboriculture. Trees must have canopy uniformity and demonstrate good trunk and branch structure.

E.

These standards require applicants to meet the specified tree canopy per lot area by retention. If retention is deemed infeasible in meeting the canopy requirements, the applicant may meet the specified criteria by a combination of retention and planting.

F.

Tree canopy is based on the goal of reaching or retaining a minimum percent coverage twenty (20) years after development.

G.

At the discretion of the Town, a performance bond or other form of surety acceptable to the Town to guarantee survival of newly installed trees may be required.

H.

As feasible, the majority of trees planted or retained for the purpose of meeting minimum percent coverage shall consist of native species, as conveyed in Attachment 1.

I.

Regardless of zoning, parking areas with ten (10) or more parking stalls shall provide shade trees in landscaped areas and along pedestrian pathways. Parking areas shall be designed to provide a tree canopy coverage of fifty (50) percent over all paved areas within fifteen (15) years of planting. If deemed necessary, the Town may require the usage of best management practices designed to minimize conflict between tree plantings and impervious areas, including, but not limited to, appropriate tree species selection, root barrier systems, and adequately sized tree wells.

J.

For the purpose of meeting minimum percent coverage, significant trees retained on-site or native trees (as conveyed within Attachment 1) shall be valued at one hundred twenty-five (125) percent of their provided canopy. While the removal of heritage trees would be prohibited, they would be valued at one hundred fifty (150) percent of their provided canopy.

K.

Trees not listed within Attachment 1 may be utilized in submitted landscaping plans at the discretion of the public works director or planning director and have a verifiable estimated twenty-year canopy coverage provided as part of the submitted plan.

(Ord. No. 688, § 2(Exh. B), 1-11-2011; Ord. No. 792, § 1(Exh. A), 3-12-2024)