Colfax Municipal Code Ch. 17.110 Tree Preservation Guidelines

The purpose of establishing tree preservation guidelines is to maintain natural scenic beauty, improve air quality, water quality, reduce soil erosion, preserve significant natural heritage values, preserve wildlife habitat and help to reduce energy consumption for air cooling by providing shade. As development of vacant land occurs, loss of some tree cover may be unavoidable. The city's intent is to reduce the loss of trees to reasonably acceptable levels while encouraging cooperation between the development community, citizens, CalFire and the city in attempting to retain tree cover within the city to the maximum extent possible. In the spirit of reasonableness these guidelines shall not categorically prohibit tree removal and shall take into consideration the most recent CalFire defensive perimeter recommendations when approving a tree removal plan. It is recognized that development of foothill topography and project-specific terrain may dictate tree removal. It shall be the policy of the city to preserve trees whenever feasible through the review of all proposed development activities where trees are present, while recognizing individual rights to develop property in a reasonable manner.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

The city has an established planning application review process. The planning director shall oversee enforcement of the tree preservation guidelines through project conditions of approval in conjunction with granting planning application approval.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Planning applications submitted to the city shall prepare a tree removal plan which identifies all healthy trees on the property in excess of six inches in diameter, measured four and one-half feet from ground level. The plan will also provide data on the health of the trees to be preserved and attempt to provide building envelopes where a majority of the trees can be preserved, while at the same time assuring defensive perimeter protection. Trees to be saved and removed shall be clearly designated on the plan. Clearing of trees over six inches in diameter measured four and one-half feet from the ground is prohibited prior to issuance of a grading permit.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Innovative techniques or alternative project design shall be considered to preserve trees to the maximum extent feasible to retain conifers, oaks, maples and cedars. Preserving trees shall require installing bright colored mesh fencing, flagged stakes or some visible means of physical demarcation around the drip line of the tree(s) in the field prior to issuance of a grading permit. The drip line of a tree is the outermost edge of a tree's canopy. No movement of soil or earth material shall take place within the drip line of trees designated for preservation.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Trees enhance the aesthetic appearance of any project. When tree removal is unavoidable:

A. The applicant/developer shall replace and replant removed trees with an equal number of trees.

B. Minimum/maximum replacement trees shall range from one-gallon to forty-eight-inch-box container sizes mixed to create a natural horizon line.

C. A mix of tree species is preferred (rather than planting the same species throughout the project) to achieve a more natural, native appearance.

D. Hillside development shall preserve trees when feasible or be replanted immediately to prevent erosion. "Immediate" means prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or final inspection.

E. Trees shall be irrigated and maintained by any and all subsequent owners for a minimum period of three years after installation in accordance with the Colfax design guidelines maintenance requirements:

1. Deposit with the city a maintenance bond, cash, letter of credit or its equivalent, in an amount equal to one-half the market value of landscaping and irrigation guaranteeing the proper care, treatment and maintenance of landscaping for a period of three years; or

2. Execute an agreement and equitable lien in an amount equal to the full market value of the landscaping and irrigation with the city, guaranteeing the lien shall cause a written letter of notification by the city to the owner of the real property within ten days that the city will perform or have performed by a reputable landscaper any and all maintenance work it deems necessary and bring legal action against the owner for the frill cost of such maintenance work or foreclose such equitable lien as provided by law.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)