1994 Tree Ordinance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff is concerned that bringing these issues to Council independently may not be efficient and may create conflicts with previously adopted policy or planned policy discussions. Outlined below are alternative actions that the Council Officers may wish to consider and recommend to the full Council for action. Alternative Actions: 1. Direct staff to prepare code language requiring planting of street trees as a condition of development using a "voluntary compliance" approach for new single family residential sites. 2. Direct staff to address the street tree policy issues along with the broader issues in a worksession prior to the public hearing on the UFMP. Recommendation The following recommendation is planned to be presented to the Council Officers at the June 8, 1994 meeting. Staff recommends that a worksession be scheduled in September /October to address the multiple policy issues that are related to the street tree program. Additional Background A. Street Trees - The Council will need to address policy issues regarding spacing, physical restrictions, existing trees, size, location, specifications for planting, establishment responsibilities, etc. For new single family subdivisions, timing of the planting would likely be immediately prior to final occupancy to avoid damage due to the home and site construction or shortly afterward if the season is inappropriate for planting. Staffing needs would need to be addressed since tree planting inspection is not a typical role for a building inspector and enforcement resources might be necessary depending on the code language adopted. ( Attached is a copy of the Springfield model ordinance regarding street trees for your review). B. Right -of -way - Street Standards - Based on Council direction, staff are preparing recommendations regarding street standards for new development. Currently a more flexible set of standards exist for unimproved local streets and the goal will be to provide more consistency. The issue that will arise is how much right -of -way will be necessary with the reduced width options and how will that effect placement of utilities, street trees and sidewalks. Councilor Keller has voiced a desire to review the TRIP adopted standards for sidewalk locations. C. Standards for Pruning or removal of trees - A recent incident involving severe over - pruning of street trees on River Road has highlighted two missing elements in the current regulations. For the River Road situation, fifteen street trees were pruned by abutting property owners so severely that they were effectively destroyed. These