The purpose of these standards is to facilitate the preservation and/or replacement of trees as part of the land development, building construction process within the city. Benefits derived from tree protection and replanting include:

(1)

Improved control of soil erosion.

(2)

Moderation of storm water runoff, and improved water quality.

(3)

Interception or airborne particulate matter, and the reduction of some air pollutants.

(4)

Enhanced habitat for desirable wildlife.

(5)

Reduction of noise and glare.

(6)

Climate moderation.

(7)

Aesthetics, scenic amenity.

(8)

Increased property value.

(9)

Preserve the unique identity and environment of the city.

(10)

To encourage the preservation of existing trees and vegetation.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

Terms and provisions of Article VIII - Tree Preservation Regulations established herein, shall apply to all activity that requires the issuance of a land disturbance permit on any real property within the city. Exceptions are as follows:

(1)

Permits are not required by public utility companies and government agencies for the conduct of operations having the purpose of assuring uninterrupted utility and governmental services and unobstructed passage on public right-of-ways.

(2)

Permit requirements are waived where the planning and development department determines that trees to be removed are dead or damaged to the extent that public safety is endangered.

(3)

Permits are not required for single lot development (not within a subdivision) for a single-family dwelling and/or detached dwelling.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

All words in these standards have their customary dictionary definition except as specifically defined herein. The words "shall" and "must" are mandatory, and the words "may" and "should" are permissive. Technical terms used in this manual are defined in Appendix A.

(1)

Buildable area. The portion of a lot which is not located within any minimum required yard, or buffer; that portion of a lot wherein a building may be located.

(2)

Buffer. A natural undisturbed portion of a lot, except for approved access and utility crossings, which is set aside to achieve a 100 percent visual barrier between the use on the lot an adjacent lots and/or uses. A buffer is achieved with natural vegetation, and must be replanted subject to the approval of the planning and development department when sparsely vegetated. Cleaning of undergrowth from a buffer is prohibited excepted when accomplished under the supervision of an Arborist or a Landscape Architect. (Refer to Landscape Strip and Buffer Standards, Appendix D. See also Zoning Resolution Section 4.23.4)

(3)

Caliper. American Association of Nurseryman standard for trunk measurement of nursery stock, diameter. Caliper of the trunk shall be taken six inches above ground for up to and including four-inch caliper size, and 12 inches above the ground for larger sizes.

(4)

Crown drip line. A vertical line extending from the outer surface of a tree's branch tips down to the ground.

(5)

DBH. Diameter-at-breast-height is a standard measure of tree size, and is a tree trunk diameter measured in inches at a height of four and one-half feet above the ground. If a tree splits into multiple trunks below four and one-half feet, then the trunk is measured at its most narrow point beneath the split.

(6)

Land disturbance permit. An official authorization issued, allowing defoliation or alteration of the site, or the commencement of any land distributing activities.

(7)

Planning and development department. The agent having the primary responsibilities of administration and enforcement of article VIII - Tree Preservation.

(8)

Protected zone. All lands that fall outside the buildable area of a parcel, all area of a parcel required to remain in open space, and/or all areas required as landscaping strips and/or buffers.

(9)

Revegetation. The replacement of trees and landscape plant materials into the minimum required landscape areas, as determined by the article VIII - Tree Preservation Regulations.

(10)

Specimen tree or stand. Any tree or grouping of trees which has been determined to be of a high value by the city because of its species, size, age, or other professional criteria.

(11)

Tree. Any self supporting woody plant, usually having a single woody trunk, and a potential DBH of two inches or more and normally attaining a mature height of 40 feet.

(12)

Tree density factor. A unit of measure used to prescribe and calculate required tree coverage on a site. Unit measurements are based upon tree size. (Appendix B)

(13)

Tree protection zone. Shall include as a minimum the setback areas from property lines or right-of-ways plus strips required for buffers, permitting only the encroachment of driveways necessary to serve the property.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

(1)

Land disturbance permit.

(a)

A tree protection plan shall be submitted with other permit drawings as part of the land disturbance permit process. This plan may either be a separate drawing, or part of the landscape plan, and shall include the following information.

1.

Definition of spatial limits.

a.

Limits of land disturbance, clearing, grading, and trenching.

b.

Tree protection zones.

c.

Specimen trees or stands of trees.

d.

Areas of revegetation, and tree density calculations.

2.

Detail drawings of tree protection measures and landscaping (whichever is applicable, or both).

a.

Protective tree fencing.

b.

Erosion control fencing.

c.

Tree protection signs.

d.

Transplanting specifications.

e.

Staking specifications.

f.

Other applicable drawings.

g.

Landscape installation plans, planting details, plant list.

3.

Procedures and schedules for the implementation, installation, and maintenance of tree protection measures.

(b)

These plans shall be reviewed by the planning and development department for conformance with applicable zoning conditions, article VIII - Tree Preservation Regulations and will either be approved, or returned for revisions. Reasons for denial shall be noted on the tree protection plan, or otherwise stated in writing.

(c)

Issuance of the land disturbance permit is contingent upon approval of the tree protection plan.

(d)

All tree protection measures shall be installed prior to land disturbance, and inspected by the planning and development department.

(e)

The planning and development department will conduct follow-up site inspections for enforcement of article VIII - Tree Preservation Regulations.

(2)

Enforcement. It shall be the duty of the planning and development department to enforce this article and, in addition, shall have the authority to revoke, suspend, or void any land disturbance permit and to suspend all work on a site or any portion thereof.

(3)

Violation and penalty. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day's continuance of a violation shall be considered a separate offense. Upon being found guilty of violation, a violator shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.00 for each separate offense. The owner of any property wherein a violation exists, and any builder, contractor, and/or agent who may have assisted in the commission of any such violation, shall be guilty of a separate offense. The municipal court shall have jurisdiction to try offenses to these regulations.

(4)

Appeals.

(a)

Any person aggrieved or affected by any decision of the planning and development department relating to the application of these regulations may file an appeal within 30 days of the decision with the city planning and zoning commission through the planning and development department.

(b)

Any person aggrieved or affected by any decision of the city planning and zoning commission relating to the application of these regulations may file an appeal within 30 days of the decision with the city council through the planning and development department.

(c)

Appeals shall only be granted for errors of interpretation or where the unique natural features of the site are such that application of these regulations would create an undue hardship to the property owner, and in other instances where an undue hardship is created for the owner of the property.

(d)

Appeals from decisions of the city made pursuant to this article may be taken to the municipal court.

(5)

Easements. The mayor and city council are hereby authorized to enter into agreements with the owners of private property located within their respective jurisdiction for the purpose of acquiring easements to plant trees or such property, in consideration for which said private property owner shall acquire ownership of such trees as the city may plant. Provided, however, that any such agreement shall limit the duration of the easement to a time period of two years and shall limit the property interest acquired by the city to that distance sufficient to allow the planting of trees, in no case to exceed a maximum of a 15-foot setback from the property line or right-of-way held by the city. Provided further that under such agreement the private property owner shall agree to maintain the trees planted thereon and shall also agree to hold the city harmless for any liability attributable to the planting or presence of the trees on the private property.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

(1)

Tree protection zones, specimen trees or stands of trees designated to be saved must be protected from the following damages which may occur during all phases of land disturbance and construction processes. Methods of tree protection and disturbance prevention are provided in section 75-716.

(a)

Direct physical root damage.

(b)

Indirect root damage.

(c)

Trunk and crown disturbances.

(2)

Direct physical root damage most frequently occurs during site clearing and grading operations, where transport or feeder roots are cut, torn, or removed.

(a)

Transport and feeder roots tend to tangle and fuse among the roots of adjacent trees. The removal of trees with heavy machinery along the outer periphery of a tree save area can result in considerable damage within the tree save area.

(b)

The most substantial form of root damage for all root types occurs in the form of cut roots. Roots are cut in grade reduction, or from trenching for underground utilities, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer lines.

(c)

A more subtle form of root damage is the loss of feeder roots. Feeder roots normally occur within the organic layer, and the surface four inches of topsoil, subsequently, these roots can be easily damaged by the track action from a single bulldozer pass. The stripping of topsoil within a tree's critical root zone can totally eliminate its feeder root system.

(3)

Indirect root damage through site modification can result from positive grade changes, temporary storage or fill material, the sedimentation of erosion materials, soil compaction, and soil chemical changes.

(a)

Positive grade changes from fill and sedimentation causes a decrease in soil oxygen levels. An increase in soil carbon dioxide and other toxic gases can also occur, leading to large areas of anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic soil conditions cause a decrease in the root respiration process that is essential for the uptake and transport or minerals and nutrients.

(b)

Anaerobic soil conditions are also produced by soil impaction, the increase in soil bulk density with a decrease in soil pore space. Compacted soil is also impervious to root penetration, and thus inhibits root development. Soil compaction is generally caused by the weight and vibrations of heavy machinery, vehicle parking, and the storage of fill and/or construction materials within the critical root zones of trees.

(c)

Changes in soil chemistry will adversely affect tree survival. The most frequent occurrence is the change (decrease) in soil acidity by concrete washout. Most trees native to the city area prefer slightly acid soils; concrete residues are highly basic. The leakage or spillage of toxic materials such as fuels or paints can be fatal for trees.

(4)

Trunk and crown disturbances are generally mechanical in nature and are either caused directly by clearing and grading machinery, or indirectly by debris being cleared and falling into trees marked for protection.

(a)

Common forms of damages include stripped bark and cambium, split trunks, and broken limbs.

(b)

Damage also occurs from the posting of signs as building permits, or survey markers on trees.

(c)

Indirect damage can be caused by the placement of burn holes or debris fires too close to trees. The possible range of damages include scorched trunks with some cambiall dieback, the loss of foliage due to evaporative heat stress (leaf desiccation), and completely burned trunks and crowns.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

(1)

Planning considerations. Tree space is the most critical factor in tree protection throughout the development process. The root system of trees can easily extend beyond the drip line of the tree canopy. The root system within the drip-line region is generally considered to be the critical root zone. Disturbance within this zone can directly affect a tree's chances for survival. To protect these critical root zones the following standards shall apply:

(a)

The use of tree save islands and stands is encouraged rather than the protection of individual (non-specimen) trees scattered throughout a site. This will facilitate ease in overall site organization as related to tree protection.

(b)

The protective zone of specimen trees or stands of trees or otherwise designated tree save areas shall include no less than the total area beneath the tree(s) canopy as defined by the farthest canopy drip line of the tree(s). In some instances, the planning and development department may require a protective zone in excess of the area defined by the tree's drip-line.

(c)

Layout of the project site utility and grading plans should accommodate the required tree protective zones. Utilities must be placed along corridors between tree protective zones.

(d)

Construction site activities such as parking, material storage, concrete washout, burn hole placement, etc., shall be arranged so as to prevent disturbances within tree protective zones.

(e)

No disturbance shall occur within the protective zone of specimen trees or stands of trees without prior approval by the planning and development department.

(f)

No tree shall be planted close to a building foundation, water line, sewer line, electrical line or natural gas line as follows:

1.

Five feet for a mature small tree.

2.

Ten feet for a mature medium tree.

3.

Fifteen feet for a mature large tree.

4.

No trees shall be planted under overhead utility cable lines if the average mature height of the tree is greater than the lowest overhead wire.

(2)

Protective barriers.

(a)

Active protective tree fencing shall be installed along the outer edge of and completely surrounding the critical root zones of all specimen trees or stands of trees, or otherwise designated tree protective zones, prior to any land disturbance.

(b)

These fences will be a minimum four feet high, constructed in a post and rail configuration. A two-inch by four-inch post and a double one-inch by four-inch rail is recommended. Four-foot orange polyethylene laminar safety fencing is also acceptable.

(c)

Passive forms of tree protection may be utilized to delineate tree save areas that are remote from areas of land disturbance. These areas must be completely surrounded with continuous rope or flagging (heavy mill, minimum four inches wide). All passive tree protection must be accompanied by "Keep Out" or "Tree Save" signage.

(d)

All tree protection zones should be designated as such with "tree save area" signs posted visibly on all sides of the fenced area. These signs are intended to inform subcontractors of the tree protection process. Signs requesting subcontractor cooperation and compliance with tree protection standards are recommended for site entrances.

(e)

All specimen trees or stands of trees, or otherwise designated tree protective zones must be protected from the sedimentation of erosion material.

1.

Silt screening must be placed along the outer uphill edge of tree protective zones at the land disturbance interface.

2.

Silt screening should be backed by 12-gauge two-inch by four-inch wire mesh fencing in areas of steep slope.

3.

All erosion control must comply with the City of Eatonton Erosion Control Standards.

(f)

All tree fencing and erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and maintained throughout land disturbance process and building construction, and should not be removed until landscaping is installed.

(3)

Encroachment. Most trees can tolerate only a small percentage of critical root zone loss. If encroachment is anticipated within the critical root zones of specimen trees, stands of trees, or otherwise designated tree protective zones, the following preventive measures shall be employed:

(a)

Clearing activities: Roots often fuse and tangle amongst trees. The removal of trees adjacent to tree save areas can cause inadvertent damage to the protected trees. Wherever possible, it is advisable to cut minimum two-foot trenches (e.g. with a "ditch-witch") along the limits of land disturbance, so as to cut, rather than tear, roots. Trenching may be required for the protection of specimen trees.

(b)

Soil compaction: Where compaction might occur due to traffic or materials storage, the tree protective zone must first be mulched with a minimum four-inch layer of processed pine bark or wood chips, or a six-inch layer of pine straw.

(c)

Trenching: The installation of utilities through a protective zone should occur by way of tunneling rather than trenching. If roots must be cut, proper root pruning procedures must be employed.

(d)

Grade changes: Moderate fill can be tolerated within a tree's critical root zone with the prior installation of an aeration system. Commercially available aeration systems are subject to approval by the planning and development department. A decrease in grade is best accomplished with the use of retaining walls or through terracing.

(e)

Where the planning and development department has determined that irreparable damage has occurred to trees within tree protective zones, the trees must be removed and replaced.

(4)

Remedial procedures. Remedial site reclamation and tree care procedures shall be implemented when encroachment within protective zones has caused damage to either the tree or the tree's growing site, and that damage is reparable.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

(1)

Tree replacement.

(a)

The replacement of trees in the minimum required landscape areas, as determined by this article, must occur under the following conditions:

1.

To establish the minimum tree density requirements for the site.

2.

Where grading occurs outside the buildable area of the lot.

3.

If the lot's buildable area leaves no protected zone.

4.

If no trees are present within an existing protected zone.

5.

Where specimen trees or stands of trees within the buildable portion of the lot are to be removed.

6.

Where specimen trees or stands of trees, and trees within otherwise designated tree protective zones have been irreparably damaged or removed through land disturbance or construction activities.

(b)

The quantity of replacement trees into a site must be sufficient so as to produce a total site-tree density factor of no less than 15 units per acre. (Note: The terms unit and tree are not interchangeable.) Procedures for determining the site density requirements and the subsequent tree replacement requirements are provided in Appendix B.

(c)

The spacing of replacement trees must be compatible with spatial limitations, and with responsible considerations towards potential species size.

(d)

Where the planning and development department has determined that site spatial constraints result in an absolute inability to provide tree density, as many trees as possible must be planted on site. The remaining balance of required trees must be provided for planting on public properties. Tree bank arrangements will be made through the planning and development department.

(e)

Species selected for replacement must be quality specimens, and must be ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing site. Standards for transplanting, and selecting quality replacement stock, are provided in Appendix C.

(f)

Specimen trees and stands of trees must be replaced by species with potentials for comparable size and quality. Tree replacement in addition to the minimum site tree density may be required in recompense for the removal of specimen trees.

(g)

Species selection and replacement densities are subject to approval by the planning and development department.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)

Appendix A. Technical terms.

(1)

Cambium. Tissue within the woody portion of trees and shrubs which gives rise to the woody water and nutrient conducting system, and the energy substrate transport system in trees. Cambium growth activity results in a tree's radial development, i.e., increase in diameter.

(2)

Cambial dieback. The irreparable radial or vertical interruption of a tree's cambium, usually caused by mechanical damage, such as "skinning bark" or from excessive heat.

(3)

Coniferous. Belonging to the group of cone-bearing evergreen trees or shrubs.

(4)

Critical root zone. The rooting area of a tree established to limit root disturbances. This zone is generally defined as a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk to a point no less that the furthest crown drip line. Disturbances within this zone will directly affect a tree's chance for survival.

(5)

Deciduous. Not persistent; the shedding of leaves annually.

(6)

Feeder roots. A complex system of small annual roots growing outward and predominantly upward from the system of "transport roots". These roots branch four or more times to form fans or mats of thousands of fine, short, non-woody tips. Many of these small roots and their multiple tips are 0.2 to 1 mm or less in diameter, and less than 1 to 2 mm long. These roots constitute the major fraction of a tree's root system surface area, and are the primary sites of absorption of water and nutrients.

(7)

Major woody roots. First order tree roots, originating at the "root collar" and growing horizontally in the soil to a distance of between three and 15 feet from the tree's trunk. These roots branch and decrease in diameter to give rise to "rope roots". The primary function of major woody roots includes anchorage, structural support, the storage of food reserves, and the transport of minerals and nutrients.

(8)

Root collar. The point of attachment of major woody roots to the tree trunk, usually at or near the ground-line and associated with a marked swelling of the tree trunk.

(9)

Root respiration. An active process occurring throughout the feeder root system of trees, and involving the consumption of oxygen and sugars with the release of energy and carbon dioxide. Root respiration facilitates the uptake and transport of minerals and nutrients essential for tree survival.

(10)

Rope roots. An extensive network of woody second order roots arising from major woody roots, occurring within the surface 12 to 18 inches of local soils, and with an average size ranging from .25 to one-inch in diameter. The primary function or rope roots is the transport of water and nutrients, and the storage of food reserves.

(11)

Soil compaction. A change in soil physical properties that includes an increase in soil weight per unit volume, and a decrease in soil pore space. Soil compaction is caused by repeated vibrations, frequent traffic and weight. As related to tree roots, compacted soil can cause physical root damage, a decrease in soil oxygen levels with an increase in toxic gasses, and can be impervious to new root development.

(12)

Transport roots. The system or framework of tree roots comprised of major woody roots and rope roots.

Appendix B. Procedure for calculating the required tree replacement density factor. (Ref. section 75-717(1)(b) and TABLE 1.)

Step 1. Calculate the required density factor for the site (RDFS) by multiplying the number of site acres by 15.

EXAMPLE: A 2.2 acre site has a DFS of 2.2 x 15 = 33.

Step 2. Calculate the existing density factor (EDF) of trees that will remain on site to be protected during construction. EDF is determined by converting the DBH of individual existing trees to density factor units, using Table 2. These units are then totaled to determine the EDF for the site.

EXAMPLE: A total of 15 trees will remain on the 2.2 acre site in Step 1. These trees include:

7—12-inch pines

3—14-inch pines

3—18-inch oaks

1—20-inch hickory

1—30-inch oak

When converted to density factor units using Table 3, we arrive at the following values:

The sum total of units, 21.4, is the EDF.

Step 3. Calculate the required replacement density (RDF) by subtracting the EDF (Step 2) from the DFS (Step 1). RDF = DFS - EDF

Example: RDF = 33 - 21.4

RDF = 11.6

Step 4. The RDF can be converted back to caliper inches using Table 3. Any number or combination of transplantable size trees can be used so long as their total density factor units will equal or exceed the RDF.

Example: On the 2.2 acre site the following number and size of trees will be planted:

11.8 is greater than the RDF of 11.6 thus the minimum requirements (Subsection 75-717(1)(b)) have been met.

TABLE 1. SAMPLE TREE DENSITY CALCULATION

Required DFS

2.2 acres x 15 units/acre = 33 units required

EDF (Existing Density Factor)

RDF (Replacement Density Factor)

EDF + RDF = x > or = DFS

29 + 45.0 = 74.0 > or = 33, therefore DENSITY SATISFIED

TABLE 2. EXISTING TREES TO REMAIN. Conversion from DBH to density factor units for trees remaining on site.

TABLE 3. REPLACEMENT TREES. Conversion from caliper to density factor units for replacement trees. (1, 2)

(1)

Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:

* The use of one- and three-gallon pines is permitted only with prior approval.

(2)

Tree relocation: Replacement units will be granted to trees relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to approval by the planning and development department.

Appendix C. Standards for selecting quality replacement stock.

(1)

Trees selected for planting must meet the minimum requirements as provided in the "American Standard for Nursery Stock", (ANSI Z60.1, 1980).

(2)

Trees selected for planting must be free from injury, pests, disease, or nutritional disorders.

(3)

Trees selected for planting must be of good vigor. The determination of vigor is a subjective evaluation, and dependent upon species variability. The following criteria is generally used for the determination of vigor:

(a)

Foliage should have a green or dark green color. Vigorous trees will have large leaves and dense foliage when compared to trees with poor vigor.

(b)

Shoot growth for most vigorous trees will be at least one foot per year. At least one-half of the branches should arise from points on the lower two-thirds of a trunk.

(c)

Bark texture can denote vigor. Smooth or shiny bark on the trunk and branches of a young tree usually signifies good vigor, conversely, rough and dull bark could indicate poor vigor.

(d)

Trunk taper. The trunks of vigorous trees will generally have an increase in diameter with a decrease in height. Trees with reverse tapers or no taper should be avoided.

(e)

Root color. Young roots of most trees will be light in color.

(4)

Trees selected for planting must be free of root defects. Two types of root defects generally occur:

(a)

Kinked roots, in which taproots, major branch roots, or both are bent more than 90 degrees with less than 20 percent of the root system originating above the kink. A tree with such roots will probably bend at the soil line when released from a supporting stake.

(b)

Circling or girdling roots which circle 80 percent or more of the root system by 360 degrees or more. A tree with such roots would ultimately have less than 20 percent of its system available for support.

TABLE 4. CALIPER TO HEIGHT RATIOS FOR DECIDUOUS TREES

TABLE 5. HEIGHT TO SPREAD RATIO FOR CONIFEROUS NURSERY TREES

*Generally the Height to Spread ratio should be no less than 2:1.

Appendix D. Landscape strip and buffer standards.

(1)

Landscape strips/islands.

(a)

The width of landscape strip must as a minimum, must be such that a five-foot diameter circle fit inside and be at least 50 square feet.

(b)

The following permanent structures are not permitted within landscape strips: pavement, retaining walls, curbing, dumpsters, or major utility boxes.

(c)

Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips and parking islands.

(d)

Signs within required landscape strips are to be approved by the planning and development department. These signs may only be located in areas of turf or groundcover, and must not conflict with the growth potential of trees and shrubs. Signs are not permitted within required undisturbed buffers.

(e)

The deposition of storm water runoff into, or drainage swales through landscape strips is generally not permitted. Exceptions will be considered only if this standard will create an undue hardship to the property owner. Under no circumstances may the length of a drainage easement through a landscape strip exceed the width of the strip.

(f)

Parking lot landscape islands must, as a minimum, be planted with at least one shade tree for every 20 linear feet. All other landscape standards apply.

(g)

When fencing is required as a condition of rezoning, the finished surface of the fence must face externally to the project. The fence or wall must be located interior to the landscape strip or buffer such that the strip is outside of the enclosed area.

(h)

All species within required landscape strips must be ecologically compatible with the intended growing site. Ornamental trees may not be used to satisfy tree density requirements. All plant materials are subject to approval of the planning and development department.

(i)

Trees within required landscape strips shall be provided as follows:

1.

Landscape strips 25 feet wide or less; a minimum of one tree for every 30 linear feet of landscape strip.

2.

Landscape strips greater than 25 feet wide; a minimum of one tree for every 20 linear feet of landscape strip.

3.

Clumping is permitted.

(j)

All required landscape strips must be designated with at least 60 percent coverage in trees and shrubs, and no more than 40 percent coverage in grass and ground cover. Landscape strip coverage will be calculated as follows:

1.

Calculate the total spatial area of the landscape strip.

2.

Count the number of trees within the landscape strip and multiply by 50 square feet for trees less than six-inch caliper and 100 square for trees six-inch in caliper or greater. (This will allow some credit for the spatial coverage of the tree canopy).

3.

Calculate the coverage provided by the shrubs: shrubs planted three feet on center equal nine square feet of coverage; shrubs planted four feet on center equal 16 square feet of coverage; shrubs planted five feet on center equal 25 square feet of coverage. Shrub species and spacing is subject to approval of the planning and development department.

4.

Grass may not exceed 40 percent coverage within the strip.

(k)

The total area of all islands shall comprise at least five percent of parking lot area in commercial, office/institutional, residential and industrial zoning districts' plus one percent of other vehicle use area on the property such as loading, storage, or display area.

(2)

Planting within right-of-ways. Approval from the planning and development department (and D.O.T. where applicable) is required as planting is generally not permitted in the right-of-way. Where approval is received, the following conditions must be met:

(a)

Indemnification and maintenance agreements must be recorded with the city city clerk, prior to permitting irrigation or plantings within city right-of-ways.

1.

These agreements must be recorded in the name of a homeowner's association (along with documentation attesting to that association's existence), for subdivisions.

2.

These agreements must be recorded in the property owner's name for all other types of projects.

(b)

Trees planted within rights-of-way cannot be counted towards the tree density requirement for a site, unless otherwise approved by the planning and development department.

(3)

Buffers.

(a)

Required undisturbed buffers must remain undisturbed, and actively protected (under the auspices of article VIII - Tree Preservation Regulations), except where otherwise stipulated in conditions of rezoning.

(b)

Buffers must be replanted where sparsely vegetated or where disturbed for approved access and approved utility crossings, to meet the following standards:

1.

Must provide a 100 percent visual barrier to a height of six feet within two years of planting. To accomplish this screening, the plant materials must be a minimum three and one-half to four feet in height at time of planting, moderately growing, and evergreen. Slower growing trees may be used if larger materials are planted. All buffer plant materials are subject to approval of the planning and development department.

2.

The number of planting rows for trees replacement in buffers is determined by the buffer width.

(c)

Drainage within or through buffers is subject to the approval of the planning and development department.

(d)

Encroachment into buffers for the construction of retaining walls footings, or wall supports is not permitted unless otherwise specified in the conditions of rezoning, all encroachments into buffers require zoning modifications.

(e)

A ten-foot improvement setback is required interior to all buffers. Clearing and grading are only permitted within that setback.

Appendix E. Checklist for landscaping/tree protection plan review

(1)

Landscape drawings.

(a)

There shall be a separate sheet submitted with a landscape plan for the site, to include:

1.

All required undisturbed buffers, landscape strips, parking islands, and landscape buffers, with the required dimensions.

2.

Planting schedules with proposed plant material names (common and botanical), quantity, size, and any special planting notes.

3.

Planting and staking details.

4.

Location of proposed irrigation systems, if applicable.

5.

Drawings for irrigation systems within the rights-of-ways must show the locations of lines, heads, spray radius, timers, and an emergency 24-hour contact number.

(b)

All required landscape strips must be planted at a density so as to provide at least 60 percent spatial coverage of trees and shrubs.

(c)

Parking islands must be planted with shade trees.

(d)

Permanent structures cannot be permitted in landscape strips, landscape islands, or buffers; including, but not limited to, headwalls, drop inlets, catch basing, riprap, light fixtures, phone booths, etc.

(e)

Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips and parking islands.

(f)

The following notes shall be indicated on all landscaping plans in large letters:

1.

All landscaping for each phase shall be completed prior to the recording of the final plat for that phase, prior to the issuance of certificate of occupancy for that phase, or prior to connection of permanent power for that phase.

2.

Contact the planning and development department at (706)485-2776 for a site inspection upon completion of landscape installation.

(2)

Tree protection plans.

(a)

Provisions for tree protection on the site shall be, as a minimum, in conformance with the requirements of the City of Eatonton, Chapter 75 - Zoning Code, article VIII - Tree Preservation Regulations.

(b)

A tree protection plan shall be submitted whether as part of the landscape plan or as a separate drawing to include the following:

1.

All tree protection zones, and areas of revegetation.

2.

Approximate location of all specimen trees or stands of trees.

3.

Exact location of all specimen trees when their preservation is questionable, or might result in a change of the site design.

4.

Indicate those specimen trees to be removed. Removal of specimen trees is subject to approval of the planning and development department.

5.

Limits of clearing and land disturbance such as grading, trenching, etc. where these disturbances may affect tree protection zones.

6.

Proposed location of underground utilities.

7.

Methods of tree protection shall be indicated for all tree protection zones, including tree fencing, erosion control, retaining walls, tunneling for utilities, aeration systems, transplanting, staking, signage, etc.

8.

This plan should indicate staging areas for parking, material storage, concrete washout, and debris burn and burial holes where these areas might affect tree protection.

9.

The required site tree density factor must be satisfied. Compliance shall be demonstrated on the tree protection plan. Existing trees or stands of trees used in the density calculation must be indicated on the drawing.

10.

Flowering ornamental replacement trees may not be used in density calculation.

11.

Replacement trees used in density calculations must be ecologically compatible with the intended growing site.

(c)

The following notes shall be indicated on both tree protection plans and grading plans in large letters:

1.

All tree protection measures shall be installed prior to grading.

2.

Undisturbed buffers shall be replanted to buffer standards where sparsely vegetated or where disturbed at approved utility crossings. (Replantings are subject to approval of the planning and development department.)

Appendix F. Tree Species Selection List. Trees generally acceptable for credit in density calculation are as follows:

Other trees may be approved on a case-by-case basis. The general criteria for replacement trees to be used in tree density calculation are: large growing (+40' tall), and ecologically compatible with the site. All planting and replanting plans are subject to approval of the planning and development department.

(Ord. of 3-20-2006)