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<br />CASE # 4 <br /> <br />CONSIDER DRAFT ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A TREE BANK <br />By: Chris Anderson, Environmental Coordinator <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />In September of 2006, Staff introduced the topic of a tree bank to the Board. A tree bank <br />essentially would provide additional incentive for a developer to incorporate existing trees into <br />their development plan rather than simply removing them. A tree bank would be a mechanism <br />that the City.could utilize to help "capture" lost trees or required plantings that would not fit on a <br />proposed site. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />To institute or utilize a tree bank, a threshold of trees or tree inches required to be retained on a <br />site after the development process is complete must be developed. Subsequently, if that <br />threshold were exceeded, then: <br />1. Additional trees would be required to be installed on site (or off-site if approved by the <br />City); or <br />2. A specified dollar amount, as determined by City Council, per tree or tree inch beyond the <br />threshold would be collected and deposited in a Tree Fund; or <br />3. Some combination of the two. <br /> <br />The intent would be to apply this standard to all multi-family developments and commercial <br />developments. There would be exemptions for tree removals in certain instances such as to <br />facilitate stormwater treatment ponds, required trails/sidewalks, and major roadways. <br /> <br />Monies from the Tree Fund could be utilized by the City for tree related activities such as <br />planting projects, tree pruning and removals, etc. <br /> <br />Recommendation <br /> <br />Staff has drafted a proposed ordinance amendment to establish a Tree Bank (Exhibit 3). Staff <br />will be seeking comments from both the Planning and Engineering Divisions but, prior to that, <br />wanted to ascertain the Board's input and comments on the draft ordinance. <br /> <br />EPB Action <br /> <br />Based on discussion. <br /> <br />EPB: 2/5/07 <br />