Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 11/07/2005

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3. Subd. 9 (Replacement of Trees) states that a developer shall be required to maintain trees for one (1) year after the trees are planted. However, for multi -family developments, developers are responsible for trees for a two (2) year period from the time of planting and in single family developments, the planting requirement is many times satisfied by an individual home owner, not the developer. After some discussion, the Board determined that this stipulation should be removed. • In 9.24.05 (Hazardous and/or Nuisance Trees) Subd. 2 b. specifies that no uncovered green pine or elm wood should be accumulated within the City between April 15th and October 15`h. Staff had inquired as to whether oak wood should also be included, which led to a discussion about Subd. 2 c. It was determined that this paragraph contained incorrect information and should be revised to conform with subsection 5.14 (Tree Diseases and Firewood Storage) or removed altogether. In addition, several other issues were discussed without a consensus or no clear Staff direction. The following issues were left unresolved: 1. Subd. 3 b. states that an ISA certified arborist shall conduct a tree inventory for any subdivision that involves the construction of roads or drainage conveyances. Staff had inquired as to whether other qualified persons should be able to perform this work. It does not appear, at least looking back at the minutes from that meeting, that there was a definitive recommendation from the Board on this matter. 2. Subd. 8 k. (Tree Preservation Tree Density Standard Calculation) states that if removals exceed this standard (more than 60% of the inches of tree DBH), than replacement shall be consistent with the tree cover requirements in the R-2 or R-3 zoning districts. However, the canopy cover formula is now used to determine planting requirements in these districts, and Staff is not sure how this would be utilized to determine appropriate replacement numbers. Chairperson McDilda requested that Board Member Max and Staff discuss this matter in more detail. Staff has not had an opportunity to facilitate this discussion as of yet. 3. Currently, all trees, even those within wetlands and other areas that would be clearly outside the limits of any grading activity, are required to be inventoried. In Staff's opinion, trees outside the limits of any grading activity (trees in areas that will not be disturbed) do not need to be individually identified. While the Board did discuss this matter, there was no specific direction provided for Staff. This is a subject that is raised on almost all proposed subdivisions and should be addressed in the ordinance. 4. Staff recommended that the Board consider a minimum planting distance from residential driveways, such as ten (10) or fifteen (15) feet, for trees installed within boulevard area. The Board did not have a definitive recommendation on this matter. The final matter that was discussed involved tree inventory requirements. Currently, the ordinance requires ALL trees, regardless of size/species, be inventoried. Staff would like to see a minimum size required for the purposes of inventorying. Staff has been using four (4) inches or greater as the standard but believes this should be increased to at least eight (8) inches. A subcommittee was formed to address this concern. Further discussion may be necessary based on the findings of the subcommittee.