A. To promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city;

B. To preserve and enhance the city’s physical and aesthetic character by preventing indiscriminate removal or destruction of trees and ground cover on undeveloped and partially developed property;

C. To promote land development practices that result in a minimal disturbance to the city’s vegetation and soils;

D. To minimize surface water and ground water runoff and diversion and to prevent erosion and reduce the risk of slides;

E. To minimize the need for additional storm drainage facilities;

F. To retain clusters of trees for the abatement of noise and for wind protection;

G. To promote building and site planning practices that are consistent with the city’s natural topographical and vegetational features while at the same time recognizing that certain factors such as condition (e.g., disease, danger of falling, etc.), proximity to existing and proposed structures and improvements, interference with utility services, protection of scenic views, and the realization of a reasonable enjoyment of property may require the removal of certain trees and ground cover;

H. To reduce siltation and water pollution in the harbor;

I. To implement the goals and objectives of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act;

J. To implement and further the city’s comprehensive plan;

K. It is not the intent or purpose of this chapter to prevent the reasonable development of land in the city. (Ord. 1197 § 55, 2010; Ord. 709 § 1, 1996; Ord. 334 § 2, 1980. Formerly 16.44.020).

A. Type III project permit applications as defined in GHMC Title 19, site plan review applications pursuant to Chapter 17.96 GHMC, building permit applications and civil permit applications, as now or hereafter amended; provided, that land clearing on such projects shall take place only after approval by the city and shall be in accordance with such approval;

B. The installation and maintenance of fire hydrants, water meters, and pumping stations, and street furniture by the city or its contractors;

C. Removal of trees and ground cover in emergency situations involving immediate danger to life or property or substantial fire hazards;

D. Removal of diseased, dead or dying trees upon written verification by a qualified arborist which states that removal of the trees is essential for the protection of life, limb, or property and which statement is filed with the code official;

E. Selective cutting or removal of trees or ground covers for purposes of general property and utility maintenance, landscaping or gardening; provided, that this exemption shall not apply to any land clearing which eliminates both trees and ground cover from 25 percent of the area of a lot or parcel of land; provided further, that said exemption shall not apply to cutting or removal which includes the use of a bulldozer, skidder, backhoe, or similar mechanical equipment for the purpose of cutting or removing of standing timber and the stacking or loading of trees or timber. This shall not be construed to eliminate the requirement of permits for land clearing for the purpose of developing the property with substantial permanent improvements such as roads, parking, driveways, utilities, or buildings. (Ord. 1347 § 60, 2016; Ord. 1197 § 57, 2010; Ord. 752 § 6, 1997; Ord. 709 § 1, 1996; Ord. 334 § 5, 1980. Formerly 16.44.050).

A. Applications for a land clearing permit shall be processed in accordance with the procedures established under GHMC Title 19 for a Type I project permit application.

B. Criteria of Approval. The director shall approve applications for a land clearing permit only if all of the following criteria are met:

C. Duration of Approval and Expiration. Any permit granted hereunder shall expire one year from the date of issuance. Upon a showing of good cause, a permit may be extended for six months by the planning director. Approved plans shall not be amended without authorization of the planning director. The permit may be suspended or revoked by the planning director because of incorrect information supplied or any violation of the provisions of this chapter.

D. Failure to obtain a forest practice application, where applicable, with the stated intent of land conversion as defined in RCW 76.09.020(8) shall be grounds for denial of any and all applications for permits or approvals, including building permits and subdivision approvals, relating to nonforestry uses of the land for a period of six years, in accordance with RCW 76.09.060(3). (Ord. 1197 § 58, 2010).

A. A plot plan containing the following information:

B. Identification of tree protection techniques. (Ord. 1197 § 59, 2010; Ord. 709 § 1, 1996; Ord. 334 § 6, 1980. Formerly 16.44.060).