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apply, including the requirement for a Vegetation Permit to address tree removal associated with any site <br />improvements (e.g. constructing a new home). Thus, at the time of building permit submittal (for a new home), a <br />Vegetation Permit application will also need to be submitted. This will provide additional, lot specific details on <br />which trees will be removed. Furthermore, due to the Existing Significant Vegetative Stands, tree removal is <br />limited to only the minimum necessary to accommodate the development. <br />The Environmental Policy Board (EPB) reviewed this request at their March 16, 2026, meeting. Unfortunately, <br />there was not a quorum present for this meeting, so there was no formal recommendation from the EPB. <br />However, amongst the three (3) members that were in attendance, there was consensus to support this request. <br />When contemplating a variance, a three (3) factor test must be applied to determine that practical difficulties <br />exist. The 3-factor test is as follows: <br />Reasonableness — The proposal is to utilize an alternative methodology for collecting tree data, not to <br />eliminate the requirement of a tree inventory. The vast majority of tree cover on the Subject Property <br />consists of a single species, eastern red cedar, and they do appear to be similar in size and height, and are in <br />very similar gowning conditions, which makes the FRP method suitable. The FRP sampling method should <br />result in a fairly accurate accounting of existing trees, making this a reasonable proposal. <br />1. <br />Uniqueness — The denseness of the eastern red cedars, especially when taking into account their growing <br />characteristics (dense branch structure that extends down to the ground), creates an almost impenetrable <br />barrier to the interior trees, short of trimming out many of the lower limbs. As a result of the branching <br />characteristics and the density of the trees, many of the lower limbs are dead (due to a lack of sunlight <br />reaching them), which could represent a hazard for anyone attempting to conduct a tree inventory. The site <br />conditions also would make it very challenging to assess trunk diameter and to tag each significant tree. <br />2. <br />Essential Character — Utilizing an alternative methodology to collect tree data will not impact the essential <br />character of the surrounding area. Tree data will still be collected and reviewed to ensure compliance with <br />tree preservation standards. <br />3. <br /> <br />Funding Source: <br />The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with this request. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends approval of the variance to utilize an alternative methodology to collect tree data. The EPB <br />also reviewed this request. Unfortunately, there was not a quorum for their meeting, so there was not a formal <br />recommendation. However, the consensus of the three (3) members that were present was to support the <br />requested variance. <br />Outcome/Action: <br />Motion to recommend City Council adopt Resolution #26-087 granting a variance to utilize an alternative <br />methodology to collect tree data for the plat known as Serenity at Rivers Edge. <br />Attachments <br />Site Location Map <br />Applicant Narrative <br />Existing Significant Vegetative Stands Exhibit <br />Sketch Plan <br />Final Plat