Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/04/2013

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Plymouth City Code 530.13, Subd. 1 Subd. 1. If the amount of significant tree inches to be removed or disturbed exceeds the specified threshold, the subdivider shall provide a reforestation plan, or a calculation of restitution, or a combination thereof Subd. 2. A reforestation plan shall be prepared and signed by a registered landscape architect or forester and shall comply with the following criteria: (a) The plan shall indicate the location and diameter or height of all trees to be planted. (b) No more than 1/4 of the trees to be planted may be from any one species, unless recommended by the City Forester. (c) Plantings shall be of similar vegetation as found on the site, with a preference for plantings designated as native to the site. (d) The minimum planting size for deciduous trees shall be 2.5 inches in diameter, and the minimum planting size for coniferous trees shall be six feet in height, except that up to 15% of the required tree inches may be of ornamental species of a lesser size, provided the required number of replacement inches is maintained. (e) Installation of trees shall follow the City's standard tree planting details as provided in the City's Engineering Guidelines. (Ord. 2010 -02, 2/23/2010) (f) Trees to be planted shall be from certified nursery stock as defined and controlled by Minnesota Statutes Sections 18.44 through 18.61, the Plant Pest Act. Subd. 3. Replacement trees shown on a reforestation plan may count toward the trees required by the City's landscaping regulations. Subd. 4. Restitution shall be paid to the City in cash prior to the City's release of the signed final plat mylars for recording, or prior to approval of a minor subdivision. Any restitution paid shall be placed in the Community Planting Fund and shall be used for reforestation projects in the City. 530.15. Staff Review. The tree preservation plan and any related reforestation plan or calculation of restitution shall be reviewed and evaluated by the City Forester. The City Forester may make recommendations for adjustment of locations of structures, roadways, utilities, and for replanting and other elements that may be necessary to enhance tree preservation and reforestation efforts.