The Ordinance requires all property owners of new development to preserve and protect all existing Protected Trees, unless specifically exempted.  Removal of trees 24 inch DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) or greater is strongly discouraged.

Trees and vegetative ground cover shall be preserved or enhanced in development areas exceeding 10 percent slope, within the 100 year floodplain, or within 30 feet of the ordinary high water line of lakes, rivers or canals.  This 30-foot buffer area shall remain a natural vegetative buffer zone between development areas and the watercourses, except for City approved water related facilities, such as docks, walkovers, ramps, or marinas.

Submission Requirements:

permit application and tree inventory must be submitted at the time of preliminary site plan or subdivision approval.  Permit applications/ tree inventory for single-family units are submitted with the building permit application.  Applications are available free of charge from the Development Services Department..

The Tree Inventory consists of a drawing showing the location, species, and size of all trees on site indicating which are to be removed.  The drawing shall also include all present and future buildings, property boundaries, the surrounding road system, and a North Arrow.

*When Protected Trees are removed without a permit, replacement at twice the DBH of the removed trees is required. The replacement trees shall be from the Approved Tree List, at least two and a half (2 ½) inches DBH and ten (10) feet tall at time of planting.