Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/04/2013

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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) 5.2. Meeting Date: 02/04/2013 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Title: Tree Preservation Ordinance Review Background: Per the direction of the Board at the January meeting, Staff has compiled tree preservation ordinances from various communities around the metro area. Staff looked at similar growing communities (Andover, Blaine, Elk River and Lakeville) as well as a fairly built -out community (Plymouth) and have attached their ordinances /policies for the Board to review. Observations: Following is a brief summary of each community's standards: Andover Blaine: • Significant tree is considered to be four (4) inches or greater in size. • Requires two (2) replacement trees for every one (1) significant tree removed. • Replacement trees must be at least 1.75 inches for deciduous and six (6) feet for coniferous trees. • Significant tree is considered to be six (6) inches or greater in size. • All significant trees removed as part of development must be replaced or payment to reforestation fund must be made. • Non - residential lots, replacement trees capped to eight (8) trees per acre. • Residential lots: replacement trees capped to eight (8) trees per acre on parcels over one (1) acre in size and on lots less than one (1) acre, replacement is at a 1:1 ratio, capped at seven (7) trees per lot. • Replacement trees must be at least 2.5 inches for deciduous trees and six (6) feet for coniferous trees. • Limits removal of trees on lots without construction to no more than two (2) significant trees per year without an approved forest management plan. Elk River Lakeville • Requires tree preservation plan prior to removing trees or commencing construction. • For each tree greater than four (4) inches but less than eight (8) inches that is preserved, credit for one (1) required new tree is giving. For each tree eight (8) inches or greater that is preserved, credit for two (2) required new trees is giving. • Significant tree is considered to be six (6) inches or greater in size. • Requires tree preservation plan for each development and a tree preservation plan for each lot that has at least one (1) significant tree on it. • Requires written status by licensed forester or landscape architect of all designated saved trees after construction is complete (as well as any designated removed trees that were saved). • Requires a $1,500.00 surety for each lot with at least one (1) significant tree to be saved during mass grading (from developer). • Requires a $1,000.00 surety from builder for tree protection measures. • Requires replacement of every significant tree designated as 'save' trees that were ultimately destroyed or damaged with two (2) replacement trees.