§9229.3 TREE PRESERVATION

A. Protected Trees: Table 19: Protected Trees, identifies the trees that are protected within the boundaries of this code. Removal of a tree included in Table 19 requires approval of a major exception as prescribed in Table 29.

B. Landmark Trees: Table 20: Landmark Trees on Private Property, designates specific trees as landmark trees. The trees included in Table 20 were selected as worthy of landmark status based on one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Outstanding specimen of a species desirable to the community;

2. One of the largest or oldest trees in the City of Ukiah;

3. Historical/commemorative interest;

4. Distinctive form and/or aesthetic appeal; and/or

5. Environmental value, including importance as habitat for wildlife.

Removal of a tree included in Table 20 requires approval of a major exception as prescribed in Table 29.

C. Development Projects:

1. The design of every development project shall recognize the desirability of preserving the protected trees identified in Table 19: Protected Trees, and Table 20: Landmark Trees on Private Property, to the greatest extent possible. The design of the grading and site improvements shall reflect consideration of the following safeguards:

a. Provision of sufficient growing areas as required by individual species;

b. No disruption or removal of structural roots or majority loss of feeder roots;

• c. Fencing of trees at or beyond the drip lines during grading and construction activities;

d. No ornamental landscape, filling, cutting, development, or compaction of soils within the drip line;

• e. Posting of a sign identifying the Tree Protection Zone during all grading and construction activities; and

• f. Other measures required by the particular species of tree(s) to be preserved as recommended by the consulting arborist, horticulturist, or landscape architect.

2. It is recognized that the preservation of all existing trees on a development site may sometimes conflict with reasonable land development considerations (e.g., adequate drainage, circulation, safety, and provision of utilities). However, the design of the proposed development shall address the preservation of the most desirable and significant of the healthy trees and the developer is encouraged to utilize creative land planning techniques to achieve this goal.

3. In order to ensure the long-term health of tree(s) to be preserved, trees proposed for preservation shall meet the following criteria as determined by a certified arborist:

a. Good (4) or excellent (5) health;

b. Moderate (3) to good (4) structure; and

• c. The ability of the tree to withstand the long-term and short-term impacts of construction and development.

4. Grading and landscaping plans shall implement the approved tree preservation plan. The locations of all protected trees shall be indicated on the plans by the number of the tree as described in the City approved project plans and/or City approved arborist report. Plans shall be consistent with the required tree protection measures included in the project conditions of approval and/or mitigation measures included in the initial study, mitigated negative declaration, or environmental impact report. D. Tree Protection Requirements: Trees required to be preserved are subject to the following protection measures in order to reduce the likelihood of construction-related impacts and to ensure the longterm health of the tree(s). 1. Prior to initiating any construction activity on a construction project, including demolition or grading, protective tree fencing shall be installed at the Tree Protection Zone for each tree to be preserved. 2. The protective tree fencing shall be shown on the approved building permit or improvement plans. This fencing shall serve as a barrier to prevent encroachment of any type by construction activities, equipment, materials storage, or personnel. 3. The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is illustrated on the improvement and/or building permit plans and represents the area around each tree or group of trees which must be protected at all times with tree protection fencing. No encroachment into the TPZ is allowed at any time without approval from the project arborist. Signs identifying the TPZ shall remain in place for the duration of grading and construction. The sign shall read: “Warning: Tree Protection Zone. This fencing shall not be removed without approval of the Planning Director.” 4. Contractors and subcontractors shall direct all equipment and personnel to remain outside the fenced area at all times until the project is complete, and shall instruct personnel and subcontractors as to the purpose and importance of fencing and preservation.

5. No grading shall occur within the protective barriers without approval by the Planning Director.

6. No attachments or wires other than those of a protective and nondamaging nature shall be attached to a protected tree. 7. Excavation or landscape preparation within the protective barriers shall be limited to the use of hand tools and small handheld power tools and shall not be of a depth that could cause root damage. 8. When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be raised, the project arborist shall provide written directions on which method(s) may be used to drain liquids away from the trunk. 9. When the existing grade around a protected tree is to be lowered, the project arborist shall provide written directions on which method(s) may be used (such as terracing, retaining wall) to allow the drip line to be left at the original grade. 10. No equipment, solvents, paint, asphalt, or debris of any kind shall be placed, stored, or allowed within the protective barrier. E. Replacement Trees: 1. Development Projects: Healthy trees as defined by subsection C3 of this section approved for removal as part of a development project shall be replaced at a ratio determined by the conditions of approval or the mitigation measures for the project. If there is inadequate space on the site to replace the trees, the trees may be planted off site at a location to be determined by the City. 2. Protected Trees: If the City authorizes the removal of a protected tree(s) because it is dead, dangerous, or a nuisance, no tree replacement is required. In all other cases, the tree(s) must be replaced. 3. Street Trees: If the City authorizes removal of a street tree in connection with a development project, the replacement requirements shall be specified in the conditions of approval for the permit for the development project. F. Exceptions: The removal or relocation of protected trees is exempt from the provisions of this section under the following circumstances: 1. Emergency Situations: In cases of emergency where the City of Ukiah determines there is a substantial, imminent risk or hazard to the public, adjacent properties, or to public facilities, a protected or landmark tree may be removed. In cases where there is a substantial, imminent risk or hazard to the public, adjacent properties, or to public facilities and City of Ukiah approval cannot be obtained due to City Hall closure (such as weekend, City holiday, or after hours), the tree may be removed; provided, that documentation of the emergency situation be provided to the Planning Department as soon as possible.

7. Traffic Visibility Obstructions: To maintain adequate line of sight distances as required by the Director of Public Works.

8. Public Utility Damage: To protect existing electrical power or communications lines.

9. Damage to Building Foundation: To prevent damage to the foundation of existing buildings. (Ord. 1139, §2 (Exh. A, 10.030), adopted 2012)