Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/04/2013

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City of Blaine Tree Preservation Ordinance time of request for a Certificate of Occupancy if issued between May 15th and October 15th, unless dates have been modified by the Zoning Administrator to accommodate unseasonable weather. A Certificate of Occupancy requested after October 15th and before May 15th may be issued with a cash deposit submitted by the builder in an amount required by the Zoning Administrator to guarantee installation of landscaping. Property owners /contractors /developers required to install replacement trees because of unauthorized removal or disturbance of existing trees on undeveloped parcels must submit a cash deposit in an amount required by the Zoning Administrator to guarantee installation of landscaping. (Amended 3 -4 -99. Ord. 99 -1771) (5) Tree preservation plans must receive approval of the Zoning Administrator. (6) Inspection and Enforcement. Prior to commencement of site grading or excavation, the site shall be staked and fenced for tree protection per the approved tree preservation plan. Construction activities shall cease until compliance with the tree preservation plan has been achieved. Violations of this Ordinance and /or Tree Preservation or Forestry management plan are considered a misdemeanor. Each day is considered a separate offense. (b) Tree Removal on Lots without Construction or Grading Permits. (1) The number of trees removed from privately owned land shall be limited to two (2) significant trees per year, unless an approved Forest Management Plan has been obtained. Trees removed because they are an obstruction to traffic or power lines, or trees removed because they pose a hazard to structures or sewer systems, shall be excluded from these requirements. (2) Forest Management Plan: An approved Forest Management Plan will be required if more than two (2) significant trees per year are removed. At a minimum, the plan must include the following information: (aa) A scaled map designating all forested areas and existing and proposed uses of such areas. (bb) Location of all existing structures, roads, utilities, and driveways on the site. (cc) A written narrative describing specific activities and reasons for developing the plan, and how these actions and activities will affect the forest. Specific examples include, but are not limited to: better forest management (thinning or removal of dead or diseased trees), improved wildlife habitat, recreational use, outdoor education, and trails. (dd) Tree Replacement may also be required as part of the Forest Management Plan. Tree replacement, as outlined in Section 33.10(a)(3), shall be required if trees are removed without obtaining an approved approval for a Forest Management Plan. (ee) Forest Management Plans must be prepared by a forester and approved by the Zoning Administrator.