17.050 Preservation of Existing Trees in Development Proposals.
A. The design of every development project (that which requires a discretionary approval or other development permit) shall recognize the desirability of preserving protected trees to the greatest extent possible. The design of the grading and site improvements shall reflect consideration of the following safeguards:
1. Provision of sufficient growing areas as required by individual species;
2. No disruption or removal of structural roots or majority loss of feeder roots;
3. Fencing of trees at or beyond their drip lines during grading and construction activities;
4. No ornamental landscape, filling, cutting, development, or compaction of soils within the drip line;
5. Other measures required by the particular species of tree(s) to be preserved as recommended by the consulting arborist, horticulturist, or landscape architect.
B. It is recognized that the preservation of all existing trees on a development site may sometimes conflict with reasonable land developmental considerations (e.g., adequate drainage, grading, circulation, safety, and provision of utilities.) However, the design of the proposed development shall address preservation of the most desirable and significant of the healthy trees and the developer is encouraged to utilize creative land planning techniques to achieve this goal.
C. Grading and landscaping plans shall implement the approved tree preservation plan. The locations of all protected trees shall be indicated on the plans by the number of the tree as described in the City approved arborist report. Notes shall identify which trees are to be preserved, and which may be removed. Plans shall be consistent with the required tree protection mitigation measures included in the project application, initial study, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report and monitoring plan, and the conditions of the development approval. The precise vertical and horizontal locations (plus or minus one foot) of all protected trees to be preserved or removed shall be shown on the site plan as part of the initial application unless the project does not involve exterior alterations or construction activities.