Planning 2016-11-10 ITEM 4 - TMC CHAPTER 18.52 LANDSCAPING CODE UPDATE: STAFF REPORT

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Members of the Planning Commission L16 -0012, Revisions to TMC 18.52, Landscaping Code Staff Report November 2, 2016 on all undeveloped property without an approved development or other land use permit, to provide the opportunity to preserve healthy trees during development; c. promoting the mutual goals of tree protection and urban development through the implementation of incentive programs and flexible site development regulations, especially to retain tree groves; and d. requiring financial assurances for required tree replanting and maintenance. 4.13.4 Ensure that required replacement trees at maturity will have equivalent or larger canopies than the removed tree(s), except where existing or future infrastructure and /or public or private utilities impede the planting of large trees. 4.13.6 Establish criteria for requiring professional assessment and corrective actions by property owners who damage code - required landscaping, street trees, or other required trees by topping, poor pruning practices, or root disturbance. 4.13.7 Where trees are regulated and required replacement trees cannot be accommodated on a site, establish procedures for off -site planting of replacement trees or payment into a dedicated tree replacement fund. 4.13. 10 Provide flexibility in the landscape code to promote increased tree planting and /or planting of large canopy trees, and reward the preservation of existing healthy trees to assist in meeting the City's canopy goals. 4.13. 11 Evaluate current parking lot landscape requirements to identify opportunities to increase tree canopy. Goal 4.14 Tukwila's streetscapes and landscaped areas are sustainable and attractive, and its urban forest is healthy, diverse, and safe. 4.14.3 Modify landscape code and educate property owners, property managers, landscape maintenance companies and tree companies to promote best practices for soil preparation, planting techniques, pruning, trenching, and general tree care. 4.14.4 Ensure that landscaping and replacement trees in new development or re- development are properly cared for and thrive in perpetuity, through such means as maintenance agreements, monitoring and enforcement. 4.14.6 Modify landscape code to require diversity of tree species in landscape plantings and consideration of species already present in the vicinity. 4.14.7 Establish minimum standards and landscape specifications to ensure long -term tree health for street trees, required landscape trees and required replacement trees, including minimum soil volume, soil quality, plant quality, planting techniques, irrigation, mulching, tree pruning, and prohibition of topping. CL Page 3 of 5 11/3/2016 10:00 AM W: \\Long Range Projects\2016 Landscaping and Tree Code Update\Planning Commission \Staff Rpt. 5