In order to ensure that landscaping for commercial development along Manchester Road includes landscaping that helps to promote a sense of place, complements buildings and parking areas, and uses plant materials that tolerant of the St. Louis region environment, the following sections shall apply to properties in the C-1 and C-3 zoning districts.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

A.

Title. This Article shall be known and may be cited as the "Manchester Road Corridor Landscape Design Standards."

B.

Scope. This section contains the performance standards and regulations pertaining to the landscape elements of residential, commercial, and industrial properties along Manchester Road (SR 100); requirements for the provision of trees along public rights-of-way; maintenance requirements for trees and other landscape components adjacent to public rights-of-way; and administration and enforcement of these regulations.

C.

Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to establish minimum standards for the provision, installation, maintenance, and removal of landscape plantings in order to achieve a healthy, visually pleasing, and safe community by the following means:

1.

Preservation of vegetation. Preserve existing natural vegetation and the incorporation of native plants, plant communities, and ecosystems into landscape design, where possible.

2.

Aesthetics. Improve the appearance of all areas through the incorporation of open space into development in ways that harmonize and enhance the natural and built environment.

3.

Land values. Maintain and increase the value of land by requiring landscape improvements to be incorporated into development, thus becoming by itself a valuable capital asset.

4.

Human values. Provide direct and important physical and psychological benefits to human beings through the use of landscape materials to reduce noise and glare, to provide visual diversity and seasonal interest, and visually soften the harsher aspects of urban development.

5.

Improved design. Promote innovative and cost-conscious approaches to the design, installation, and maintenance of landscaping, encouraging water and energy conservation.

D.

Applicability. Except as otherwise specifically provided for herein, this Section shall apply to proposed new development or redevelopment as defined by Section 407.015: Manchester Road Design Standards—Applicability.

E.

Conflicts. If the provisions of this Article conflict with other sections of this Article or other ordinances or regulations, the more stringent limitation or requirement shall govern or prevail to the extent of the conflict.

F.

Definitions. The following definitions shall apply in interpretation and enforcement of this Section unless otherwise specifically stated:

Buffer, Perimeter Landscape: A continuous area of land set aside along the perimeter of a lot in which plant materials may be used to provide a transition between, and to reduce the environmental, aesthetic, and other impacts of, one type of land use upon another.

Caliper: The thickness (diameter) of a tree trunk 6" above the soil.

Canopy Tree: A self-supporting woody plant or species normally growing in the St. Louis metropolitan area to a mature height of not less than twenty (20) feet and a mature spread of not less than fifteen (15) feet.

Critical Root Zone: Critical Root Zone (CRZ) is the distance from the trunk that equals one foot for every inch of the tree's diameter. For example: if the tree has a trunk 12 inches in diameter, the CRZ is a 12 foot radius around the tree.

Cultivar: An assemblage of cultivated plants which is clearly distinguished by any characters (morphological, physiological, cytological or chemical) and which, when reproduced (sexually or asexually), retains its distinguishing characteristics.

Cultivated Landscape Area: Planted areas that receive routine maintenance, such as mowing, irrigating, pruning, fertilizing, and similar routine maintenance, to ensure healthy plants and a well-kept appearance.

Drip Line: A vertical line extending from the outermost branch tips of a tree to the finished grade below.

Ground Cover: Plants, other than turf grass, normally growing to an average maximum height of less than twenty-four (24) inches at maturity.

Hedge: A landscape barrier consisting of a continuous, dense planting of woody vegetation which may be either composed of trees or shrubs.

Incompatibility of Land Uses: A conflict situation arising from the proximity or direct association of contradictory, incongruous, or discordant land uses or activities, including the impacts of noise, vibration, smoke, odors, toxic matter, radiation, and similar environmental conditions.

Invasive species: An invasive plant species is an aggressive, non-native species whose presence causes or is likely to cause economic harm or environmental harm. These species grow and reproduce rapidly.

Irrigation System: A permanent, artificial watering system installed below grade designed to transport and distribute controlled amounts of water to plants.

Landscape Amenities: Any combination of nonliving landscape material, such as rocks, pebbles, sand, mulch, walls, fences or decorative paving materials.

Landscape Plantings: Any combination of living plants, such as grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines, hedges, or trees.

Mulch: Nonliving organic and synthetic materials customarily used in landscaping designed to retain moisture, stabilize soil temperatures, control weed growth, and slow erosion.

Native Plant Species: Plant species identified by Grow Native as a Missouri Native Plant.

Plant Community: A natural association of plants that are dominated by one or more prominent species, or a characteristic physical attribute.

Shrub: A self-supporting woody perennial plant of low to medium height characterized by multiple stems and branches continuous from the base, usually less than ten (10) feet in height at its maturity.

Site-Specific Planting: The selection of plant materials which are particularly well-suited to withstand macro and micro climate conditions that are specific to that location.

Species: A unit or group of individual plants which bear a close resemblance to one another—so much that this particular group will not be mistaken for another group combined with it in the same genus.

Substantial Change in Land Use:

1.

A change in land use that increases the intensity of land use; or

2.

A change in land use that creates an incompatibility or increases the incompatibility between such change in land use and adjacent land use(s); or

3.

An increase in excess of twenty-five (25%) percent in the gross floor area of nonresidential buildings; or

4.

An increase in the number of dwelling units.

Topping: The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three (3) inches in diameter with the tree's crown to such degree that it distorts the normal canopy shape, thus disfiguring the tree.

Tree Protection Zone: The zone around a tree that will be maintained at the original grade and original conditions over the course of the development. This zone is determined by the critical root zone (CRZ) location.

Understory Plant Material: Assemblages of natural low-level woody, herbaceous, and ground cover species which exist in the area below the canopy of the trees.

Understory Tree: Any self-supporting woody perennial plant which normally attains an overall height of at least fifteen (15) feet at maturity, usually with one main stem or trunk and many branches. It may appear to have several stems or trunks in several species.

Variety: A term used in the botanical sense to constitute a group or class of plants subordinate to a species (e.g., subspecies).

Viable: When referring to a tree, shrub, or other type of plant, is a plant that, in the judgment of the Director of Public Services or their designated representative, can sustain its own life processes, unaided by man, for a reasonable period of time.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

A.

Design.

All landscape plans for commercial developments shall be depicted on the final development plan subject to review and approval by the Board of Aldermen. The plan shall be prepared and sealed by a licensed landscape architect. All front buffer areas shall be designed with an underground irrigation system. All buffer and landscaped areas not covered with plantings shall be covered with turf lawn, mulch or ground cover, 12" on center. Gravel beds shall not be considered as approved landscaping.

B.

Inspection/Maintenance.

Approved plantings shall be subject to inspection by the Director of Public Works or his representative. Plantings shall pe maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition. Trees and shrubs shall be mulched for a minimum of 3' perimeter with a 3" depth of mulch. Maintenance shall include proper pruning, fertilizing, watering, mulching, weeding and replacement by owners.

C.

Plants.

1.

Trees, shrubs and other plants shall be nursery stock and shall be true to type and name in accordance with the current edition of Standardized Plant Names published by the American Joint Committee on Horticultural Nomenclature. The plants shall have well developed branch systems and vigorous healthy root systems. All stock shall be well formed, and the trunks of trees shall be uniform. The plants shall be free from insects, disease and defects such as knots, sun-scald, injuries, serious abrasions of the bark or objectionable disfigurements. Thin, weak plants will not be accepted. All nursery stock shall qualify under the AmericanHort American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1. Substitution of plant stock or other material will not be permitted except with approval from the City.

2.

All measurements for height, spread, branching, caliber and root spread or ball size shall be as specified in the current AmericanHort American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1. Acceptance of plant material will be made only at the planting site following the completion of the planting work, except that acceptance for height, spread and number of branches will be made before pruning the plant. Each shipment shall be accompanied by an invoice showing sizes and varieties of material and ANSI Z60.1 certification.

D.

Species.

1.

All plant materials shall be chosen from the approved plant list of trees, shrubs, grasses and ground covers or as approved by the Permitting City Official if sufficient documentation that the plant possesses the characteristics required is provided with the permit application. No invasive nonnative species will be specified or planted per the Missouri Invasive Plant Assessment list from the Missouri Invasive Plant Council. Trees and shrubs shall have a branching height, height relationship and root ball size in relationship to the specified caliper size as recommended by the American Standard for Nursery Stock.

2.

All sites must contain a mixture of trees and shrubs. Where evergreen trees are used, at least two different species must be included in the plant list.

3.

Ornamental grasses may be used in lieu of one-third of the required shrubs.

4.

All plant materials shall be native plant species.

5.

Biodiversity/Plant Species Mix.

a.

To promote biodiversity of the City's tree canopy, monoculture plantings should be avoided.

b.

For a project area or landscape plan submittal where more than ten (10) trees are required, one (1) species may be no greater than thirty percent (30%) of the tree total unless otherwise approved by the City. Native tree species are preferred for selection.

APPROVED PLANT LIST

Canopy Trees: (Upright deciduous trees that can obtain heights greater than 35 feet and canopy spreads of 20 feet or more)

Understory Trees: (Upright deciduous trees that may provide seasonal flowers with heights of 15 feet to 25 feet and equal spreads)

Evergreens: (Upright pyramidal trees that maintain their leaves or needles year-round and can obtain heights of 30 feet with spreads of 15 feet or more)

Shrubs: (Low branching deciduous or evergreen plant material with heights of 2 feet to 4 feet, in a five-gallon container or larger.)

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, as appropriate species are too numerous to list. Landscape Plans may include additional species subject to approval by the Board of Aldermen.

Ornamental Grasses: ^* (Decorative grasses that maintain heights of 2 feet to 4 feet, in a one-gallon container or larger)

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, as appropriate species are too numerous to list. Landscape Plans may include additional species subject to approval by the Board of Aldermen.

Ground Cover: (Plant material that maintains heights of only 4 inches to 8 inches)

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, as appropriate species are too numerous to list. Landscape Plans may include additional species subject to approval by the Board of Aldermen.

Measurement Methods: The caliper of all deciduous trees shall be measured six inches above the ground at the time of planting. The height of all evergreens and shrubs shall be measured from the top of the root ball to the top of the tree.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

A.

All required twenty-five (25) foot buffers at the rear of lots and all required twenty-five (25) foot buffers at the sides of lots adjoining a residential district shall contain evergreen and deciduous plant material as specified by the Department of Public Works. Evergreen plant material shall consist of trees of a minimum height of ten (10) to twelve (12) feet, planted ten (10) feet on center in a double staggered row. The staggered rows shall be eight to ten feet on-center. Where existing site and/or building conditions dictate (See Chapter 407, Section 407.065.5), the buffer depth may be varied upon review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval of the Board of Aldermen.

B.

The first row of evergreens shall be planted within eight (8) to twelve (12) feet of the corresponding property line. The area under the evergreen trees shall be covered with a minimum of three (3) inches of wood mulch. A minimum ratio of two (2) three-inch-caliper shade trees or three (3) two-inch-caliper trees, grouped ornamentals as specified by the Department of Public Works, shall be planted within the remaining landscaped buffer adjacent to the commercial structure for each fifty (50) linear feet of side and rear property. Additional understory and ground cover material shall be placed, where necessary, to screen and reduce the visible portion of rear and side building walls from adjacent residential property. Berms shall not exceed a maximum of four (4) feet in height nor have a slope greater than three (3) to one (1).

C.

Where possible, natural slope conditions and existing plant materials which may serve in lieu of required plantings should be preserved and retained. However, invasive species within existing plant material shall be removed. Landscape buffers shall not have regraded slopes that are greater than three (3) to one (1).

D.

15-foot buffers will have within each 40 linear feet of buffer area, the minimum type of plantings and screening required is:

1.

A continuous six (6) foot high wood, vinyl, or masonry fence (exact design to be approved by the Board of Aldermen after recommendation by the Commission) which blocks 85 percent through visibility shall be located a minimum distance of five (5) feet from the property line adjacent to the residential property; and

2.

2.5" minimum caliper overstory trees, one of which shall be planted on the residential side of the fence line. Maximum spacing between any two trees shall be 30 feet; and

3.

8 shrubs 18" to 24" in height spaced a maximum of 3 feet on center

Or as an option to the above:

1.

A continuous six (6) foot high wood, vinyl, or masonry fence (exact design to be approved by the Board of Aldermen after recommendation by the Commission) which blocks 85 percent through visibility shall be located a minimum distance of five (5) feet from the property line adjacent to the residential property; and

2.

3 evergreen trees, 6' to 8' in height spaced 12'-15' on center on the commercial side of the fence.

E.

25-foot-wide buffers will have within each 25 linear feet of buffer area, the minimum type of plantings required are:

1.

Two (2) 2.5" caliper trees, one of which must be a canopy tree; and

2.

A minimum of eight (8) shrubs at least 18" to 24" in height

F.

At the front of lots, a buffer area of not less than ten (10) feet in depth shall be provided parallel to the front property line, exclusive of any right-of-way.

1.

Canopy or understory trees (2.5" caliper minimum) of the permitted species listed as approved plant material in Section 409.015 above may be planted in this area not less than 50 feet apart and shall be maintained to permit views into the site from the roadway. This requirement will not be imposed where there is potential for interference with overhead utility wiring.

2.

Ground cover may consist of turf grass but may not cover more than 30 percent of the required buffer area.

3.

Ground cover, ornamental grass plant material, and low growing shrubs listed as approved plant material in Section 409.015 above shall be incorporated into the area. However, all such plant material shall not create sight distance visibility issues for vehicles entering or exiting the property.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

The required landscaping materials for new developments in the City of Des Peres in the C-3 shall be as follows:

A.

Entryway Plantings:

1.

Landscape berms, signage, walks; and other architectural elements used to feature entrances to parking areas shall be located behind the sight distance triangle of the two intersecting streets and/or driveways.

2.

The sight distance triangle shall be a minimum of 25 feet from the corner measured along the edge of each street pavement.

3.

All plants in the sight distance triangle must be maintained so that the mature height does not exceed 30 inches.

4.

All deciduous trees in the sight distance triangle must be maintained so that branches are at least 8 ft. off the ground.

5.

Evergreen trees shall not be planted in the sight distance triangle.

B.

Buffer areas will be designed according to their width as defined below:

1.

15-Foot Buffers Between Adjacent Commercial Properties: Within each 40 linear feet of buffer area, the minimum landscape treatment is three (3) deciduous trees with 2.5 minimum caliper, one (1) of which must be an overstory tree

2.

15-Foot Buffers Between Residential and Commercial Properties

a.

Within each 40 linear feet of buffer area; the minimum type of planting and screening required is a continuous six (6) foot high wood, vinyl, or masonry fence (exact design to be approved by the Board of Aldermen after recommendation by the Commission which blocks 85 percent through visibility shall be located a minimum distance of five (5) feet from the property line adjacent to the residential property; and two (2) 2.5" minimum caliper canopy trees, one of which shall be planted on the residential side of the fence line.; and eight (8) shrubs 18" to 24" in height spaced a maximum of 3' on center.

b.

Or is a continuous six (6) foot high wood, vinyl, or masonry fence (exact design to be approved by the Board of Aldermen after recommendation by the Commission) which blocks 85 percent through visibility shall be located a minimum distance of five (5) feet from the property line adjacent to the residential property; and three (3) evergreen trees 6' to 8' in height spaced 12' to 15' on center on the commercial side of the fence.

3.

50-Foot Buffers:

Within each 40 linear feet of buffer, the minimum type of planting and screening required is:

a.

A continuous six (6) foot high wood, vinyl, or masonry fence (exact design to be approved by the Board of Aldermen after recommendation by the Commission) which blocks 85 percent through visibility shall be located a minimum distance of five (5) feet from the property line adjacent to the residential property; and

b.

2 continuous rows of evergreen trees, 10' to 12' in height. Trees shall be staggered and planted 12 feet on center. Areas under trees shall be mulched no less than 3" minimum in depth; and

c.

2, 2.5"" caliper canopy trees or 3, 2" caliper understory trees; and

d.

An earthen berm shall also be provided when topography allows, which is equal to 40 percent of the property line distance. Minimum height shall be three feet with maximum 3: 1 side slopes.

e.

All areas not mulched shall be turf lawn, or ground cover planted a maximum of 12" on center.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

The following planting requirements shall be met:

A.

There shall be an area between the parking area curb and the sidewalk for planting. The planting in this area shall be no higher than three feet when within twenty-five feet of a driveway or intersection. The minimum width of such planting areas shall be ten (10) feet in "C-1" Zoning Districts, and fifteen (15) feet in a "C-3" Zoning District.

B.

No landscape hedge, bushes, shrubs, or other low-growing plant material, wall or berm shall exceed two (2) feet in height within ninety (90) feet of any driveway opening.

C.

In all parking areas of one-half acre or more, there shall be at least one (1) canopy deciduous tree or one (1) ornamental deciduous tree for every 3000 square feet of parking area. Specific types of approved trees include, but are not limited to, those in the approved plant list. In no case shall a tree planted under these requirements be less than two inches in caliper, and in less than 150 square feet of planting area.

D.

At least one deciduous tree, 2.5" in diameter or larger, per every 4,000 sq. ft. of parking area shall be provided. Such trees may be on islands or located within a 25 ft. perimeter around the outside edge of the lot.

E.

Where parking lots adjoin residential land uses, the following screening plantings shall be provided:

1.

One (1) 2.5" caliper canopy tree or two (2) 2" caliper understory trees for every 30 linear feet of parking lot. Trees shall have a setback of approximately 5' from the parking lot edge of pavement; and

2.

Eight (8) shrubs 18" to 24" in height for every 40 linear feet of street frontage.

3.

A continuous 6 ft. high wood, vinyl, or masonry fence (exact design to be approved by the Commission).

F.

No single loaded or double loaded parking lane may exceed 150 linear feet without a break for a curbed landscape island. The ends of all rows of parking shall have a landscaped island to protect the motorists from thru traffic.

G.

Landscape islands shall be no less than 200 square feet in area with a minimum width of 10 feet from curb to curb.

H.

Landscape islands shall be planted with a minimum of one (1) 2.5" caliper canopy or understory tree.

1.

Notwithstanding other provisions of this paragraph, requirements for planting trees in a "C-3" zone shall be determined by the Board of Aldermen before construction of the parking area.

2.

Nothing in this paragraph shall affect in any way the requirements of this Title relating to buffer areas in "C-1" Commercial District.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

A.

All detention areas shall utilize naturalized contouring and grouped planting techniques in informal arrangements.

B.

Plant material shall be used to screen headwalls and other drainage structures. However, care shall be taken not to block or impede the function of these structures.

C.

Minimum landscape plantings for sloped areas shall be:

1.

1 deciduous tree (1 ½" to 2" caliper) per 2,500 sq. ft. of side slope area; and

2.

1 evergreen tree (3' to 4' high) per 750 sq. ft. of side slope area; and

3.

1 shrub (18" to 24" high) per 750 sq. ft. of side slope area

D.

Minimum landscape plantings for vertical walled basins shall be:

1.

1, 2" caliper or greater tree per 30 ft. of wall length

2.

2 shrubs (18" to 24" height) per 30 ft. of wall length

E.

Plantings placed below maximum pool elevation shall be tolerant of periods of frequent flooding.

F.

Detention areas shall be kept free of sediment and undesirable plants. Mulch shall not be used in areas that could be covered with water.

A.

Sites Under Four Acres:

1.

All healthy desirable existing trees 6" in diameter or greater shall be identified and located on the site plan.

2.

Any healthy desirable trees not maintained or removed shall be replaced in accordance with the following schedule:

a.

Replacement trees shall have a total cross-sectional area equal to at least 25% of the cross-sectional area of the trees removed.

b.

Replacement trees shall be at least 3" increments.

c.

If there is not sufficient room on the site, the developer shall contribute to the city's tree fund an amount equal to $30 per cross sectional inch of required tree replacements (see chart).

3.

For every healthy tree 6" in diameter or greater that is preserved, that cross-sectional area shall be credited against the tree replacements and/or the required buffer area landscaping.

B.

Sites Over Four Acres:

1.

All healthy desirable trees 10" in diameter or greater shall be identified and located on the site plan.

2.

Any healthy desirable trees not maintained or removed shall be replaced in accordance with the following schedule:

a.

Replacement trees shall have a total cross-sectional area equal to at least 25% of the cross-sectional area of the trees removed.

b.

Replacement trees shall be at least 3" increments.

c.

If there is not sufficient room on the site, the developer shall contribute to the city's tree fund an amount equal to $30 per cross sectional inch of required tree replacements (see chart).

3.

For every healthy tree 6" in diameter or greater that is preserved, that cross-sectional area shall be credited against the tree replacements and/or the required buffer area landscaping.

C.

Desirable Trees:

Desirable trees shall be those listed in the landscape materials section of this code or any others specifically approved by the Director of Public Works.

The following chart indicates the required tree replacements or contributions for various sizes of trees removed:

TREE REPLACEMENT CHART

(APPLIES TO HEALTHY, DESIRABLE TREES)

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

A.

Landscaping Guarantee: Approved plantings shall be subject to inspection by the City of Des Peres. Plantings shall be maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition. This shall include proper pruning, fertilizing; watering, mulching, weeding, and replacement by developer and/or property owners for a minimum of two years or a period determined by the Board of Aldermen.

B.

Irrigation: All required landscape on parcels with a commercial land use type must be automatically irrigated to properly establish and maintain the selected plant material with a minimum of overspray and without significant potential for causing erosion. Water-efficient irrigation components such as drip irrigation and weather sensors are encouraged to be used. Spray heads must not spray across sidewalks and should be zoned accordingly. Backflow equipment shall be located and/or screened in a manner that limits visibility of equipment from view of general public. Backflow equipment installed in areas with potential access by the general public should be installed in a lockable cage to prevent damage, theft, and vandalism.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

A.

Where utilities, easements, adjoining structures, topographical conditions, or other unique circumstances interfere with the proposed plantings or screenings, the developer shall propose alternate solutions to the above-mentioned landscape requirements, subject to approval by the Board of Aldermen.

B.

If the solutions result in fewer landscaping materials than required by these rules, the developer shall provide monetary contributions to the City's Tree Fund in lieu of placements on the site. Contributions shall be based on the estimated costs of installing the required plants as confirmed by the Director of Public Works.

C.

Should any developers not install the approved landscaping, the City of Des Peres reserves the right to use any escrows or bonds to install the trees or to place such monies in the City's Tree Replacement Fund

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)

Tree Protection Standards.

Any existing tree identified for preservation on a Tree Preservation Plan submitted and approved as part of a Master Development Plan shall be protected as indicated on the approved plan and as described herein.

A.

Tree protection measures identified by a Tree Preservation Plan should be in place and fully installed prior to redevelopment or construction of a site.

B.

Developer(s) of a site shall be responsible for the replacement of protected trees damaged beyond repair if the trees are harmed due to lack of protection or through negligence on the part of the developer/contractor.

C.

Tree Protection Measures. Measures utilized by developers and their contractors before and during construction and development of a site shall include the following:

1.

Tree Protection Fencing. Tree protection fencing shall have a minimum height of four (4) feet and be installed in such a manner that it maintains its rigidity and effectiveness as a barrier. Standard materials used for tree protection fencing shall include plastic mesh construction or chain-link fencing. Other suitable tree protection fencing materials may be used with approval from the Director of Public Works. Tree protection signs shall be provided along the perimeter of the Tree Protection Zone and shall be maintained throughout the duration of construction. Signs shall be no smaller than eleven and a half (11.5) inches and no larger than twenty-four (24) inches along the longest side of the sign. Signs shall contain the phrase "Tree Protection Zone" in large lettering with contrasting color to the background.

2.

Root Pruning. Existing trees to remain on site in which critical root zones may potentially be impacted from grading, excavations, wall or foundation construction, or utility trenching shall be root pruned prior to construction activities. Root pruning shall be performed using either manual or mechanical methods such as chainsaws, vibrating knife, rock saw, narrow trencher or other equipment approved by the Director of Public Works. The use of equipment that tears, rips, or pulls roots is prohibited.

3.

Tree Protection Mats. If construction equipment, vehicle, or heavy foot traffic is anticipated and unavoidable within the critical root zone of an existing tree to be saved, tree protection matting should be installed prior to construction activities. Tree protection matting should be installed over a sufficient layer of mulch or wood chips to assist with the dispersion of heavy loading.

Tree Protection Zone.

Tree protection fencing shall be placed at the dripline or limits of the Critical Root Zone. The fencing shall be used to create a designated tree protection zone that shall be installed prior to construction of any type commencing and must be maintained for the entirety of construction. The tree protection zone shall comply with the following:

A.

Construction equipment, vehicles, trailers, excessive foot traffic, and storage of materials must remain outside of the tree protection zone.

B.

Erosion control measures shall be installed to prevent siltation or erosion within the tree protection zone.

C.

Trenching or excavation is prohibited within the tree protection zone.

D.

No grade or earthwork changes are to be made within the tree protection zone.

(Ord. No. 3050, § 1(Exh. A), 3-10-25)