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Environmental Policy Board (EPB) <br />Meeting Date: 05/11/2026 <br />Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: <br />5. 1. <br />Information <br />Title: <br />Consider an Ordinance Amendment to City Code Section 106-354 (Private Trees in New Development Areas) <br />Purpose/Background: <br />The Environmental Policy Board recently contemplated a request for a variance to utilize an alternative <br />methodology to complete a required tree inventory associated with a Minor Plat. Not only did the City Council <br />approve the requested variance, but they also directed Staff to prepare an ordinance amendment granting Staff the <br />authority to approve alternative methodologies, rather than going through the variance process. The purpose of <br />this case is to consider the draft Ordinance Amendment to the tree preservation standards. <br />Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: <br />Language has been added specifying that alternative methods for collecting significant tree data can be approved <br />by the Zoning Administrator (defined in City Code as the Community Development Depai tiuent) with sufficient <br />documentation/information that supports and justifies such a request. Additionally, clarification was added <br />regarding what trees may be exempted from the removal threshold calculation (exempting trees infested with <br />Emerald Ash Borer [EAB] or infected with Oak Wilt or Dutch Elm Disease). The City Attorney has reviewed the <br />draft Ordinance Amendment and inquired whether the City wants to exempt any diseased tree rather than <br />specifying certain diseases. As currently drafted, only trees suffering from maladies that are lethal are exempted <br />(Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, and Dutch Elm Disease). <br />Funding Source: <br />This case is being handled as part of Staffs regular duties. <br />Recommendation: <br />Staff recommends adopting Ordinance #26-09 amending the tree preservation standards to authorize Staff to <br />approve alternative methodologies used for collecting tree data. <br />Outcome/Action: <br />Motion to recommend City Council adopt Ordinance #26-09 amending City Code Section 106-354 granting Staff <br />the ability to approve alternative methodologies for collecting tree data. <br />Draft Ordinance #26-09 <br />Attachments <br />Form Review <br />Inbox Reviewed By Date <br />Brian Hagen Brian Hagen 05/06/2026 01:55 PM <br />Form Started By: Chris Anderson Started On: 04/30/2026 10:02 AM <br />Final Approval Date: 05/06/2026 <br />