§ 114-74. Relocation or replacement.

(a)

As a condition of granting a permit under this article, the applicant may be required, where practical, to relocate the tree being removed elsewhere on the same site or may be required to replace the tree on a two-for-one basis with suitable replacement trees. The replacement trees shall have at least equal shade potential and shall be minimum of ten feet high at the time of planting.

(b)

In determining the required relocation or replacement of trees, the city shall consider the needs of the intended use of the property, together with an evaluation of the following:

(1)

Existing tree coverage;

(2)

Number of trees to be removed on the entire property and their corresponding relocation limitations;

(3)

Area to be covered with structures, parking and driveways;

(4)

Topography and drainage of the site and its environs;

(5)

Character of the site and its environs;

(6)

Ecology of the site; and

(7)

Characteristics and amount of shrubs, grass and trees proposed for planting on the site by the applicant.

(c)

Trees which must be removed under this article and not relocated or replaced on site shall be offered to the city for relocation to a public place to help preserve the overall natural resources of the community. The city shall bear the costs and responsibility for all relocations and shall act in a forthright and expeditious manner to effectuate arrangements with the landowner to accomplish such relocations.

(Code 1988, § 12.5-54)