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Planting Requirements & the Canopy Cover Formula <br />By: Chris Anderson, Zoning & Recycling Coordinator <br />Background: <br />CASE # 1 <br />Staff was directed to research whether the canopy cover formula (Exhibit 1) could be removed <br />from City Code and placed in the Ramsey Tree Book so that, in the future, if tweaks were <br />necessary, the process could be streamlined somewhat. In addition, Staff was directed to provide <br />examples of planting plans that have been submitted for a visual aid for Boardmembers when <br />considering whether the canopy cover formula needs any adjustment. <br />Observations: <br />While the scenario of relocating the canopy cover formula to the Ramsey Tree Book is possible, <br />the Ramsey Tree Book would need to become an official document since it would mandate <br />certain planting activities. As an official document adopted by City Council, any alterations, not <br />only to the canopy cover formula but to any aspect of the book, would require City Council <br />approval. Furthermore, altering the canopy cover formula should not be a regular occurrence; <br />once it's deemed practicable, there is no reason for further tweaks. <br />Currently, the pervious area calculation of the canopy cover formula includes all pervious areas, <br />including wetlands. However, when determining the total number of units permitted on a site (net <br />density), wetland area is excluded. Therefore, for consistency purposes, should this be excluded <br />when determining the pervious area of a site? <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff believes that the canopy cover formula should remain in City Code as opposed to moving it <br />into the Ramsey Tree Book and that a slight adjustment to the canopy cover formula would be <br />prudent. Furthermore, Staff believes that the pervious area of a site, for the purposes of the <br />canopy cover formula, should exclude wetland areas. <br />EPB Action <br />Based on discussion <br />EPB: 1/9/06 <br />Of the proposed plantings, the following fulfilled density transitioning requirements and thus did not count toward <br />the overall required canopy cover: <br />Tree Species <br />Canopy Cover <br />Quantity <br />Total Canopy Cover <br />Black Hills Spruce <br />386 sq ft <br />14 <br />5,404 <br />Red Pine <br />1,535 <br />2 <br />3,070 <br />