Ord 2570 - TMC Chapter 18.54 "Tree Regulations" - Urban Forestry and Trees

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B. Designation Criteria. A tree or grove that meets the basic definition of Heritage Tree or Heritage Grove must also meet one or more of the following criteria: 1. Has exceptional national, state or local historical significance including association with a historical figure, property, or significant historical event; or 2. Has an exceptional size or exceptional form for its species; or 3. Has an exceptional age for its species; or 4. Is the sole representative of its species in the area; or 5. Has exceptional botanical or ecological value. C. Once approved, the Heritage Tree or Heritage Grove shall be identified by signage that provides information as to the tree's or grove's significance. D. Heritage Tree or Heritage Grove Development Review. 1. When development is proposed for property that contains a Heritage Tree or Grove, and the Director determines that the proposed development may affect a Heritage Tree, the property owner must have a tree preservation plan prepared by a Qualified Tree Professional as approved by the Director demonstrating how the Heritage Tree will be protected and preserved, A Heritage Tree shall be preserved using the tree protection and retention criteria of this chapter. 2. A tree preservation plan shall be composed of the following: a. A site plan indicating the location of Heritage Tree(s). b. The methods to be used to preserve the Heritage Tree(s). c. A mitigation plan indicating the replacement trees or additional new trees to be placed on the site. The mitigation plan should demonstrate, to the extent possible, that the character of the site will not substantially change as a result of development. 3. Site design adjustments may be approved in some cases for the subject property or an affected adjacent parcel, as follows: a. Up to a 20% variance to front, side, and/or rear yard setback standards to retain a Heritage Tree(s) or Grove may be reviewed and granted as part of the underlying land use or construction permit. The adjustment shall be the minimum necessary to accomplish preservation of the Heritage Tree(s) or Grove on site and shall not conflict with other adopted ordinances or conditions placed on the property. b. Up to a 10% variance to the lot size and/or the lot width requirements in approving any land division if necessary to retain Heritage Tree(s) or Grove. 4. Removal of a Heritage Tree. No person may cut or remove a Heritage Tree without approval of a Type 2 permit. The Tree Permit may be approved if one or more of the criteria below is met: a. Retention of the tree would make reasonable use of the property allowed under the current zoning impractical or impossible; or W: Word Processing\Ordinances\Tree regulations re-enacted TMC 18.54 final 3-28-18 CL:bjs Page 17 of 21