8.4.B. PRSR 03-08-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Tree Preservation Ordinance Findings and Purpose The Ciry of Elk River fmds that preservation of native trees and woodlands is critical to the heakh, safety and welfare of the citizens; that development within the City has the effect of reducing and in some cases eliminating wooded areas, which, if preserved and maintained, serve important ecological, recreational and aesthetic benefit to residents. The Ciry also recognizes that a certain amount of significant trees and tree cover removal is an inevitable consequence of development. This ordinance has the purpose of: • preserving native trees and woodlands on individual sites; • preventing wind and water erosion, slope instability and rapid runoff; • increasing absorption of air pollutants, contaminant and noise; • increasing rainfall infiltration; • providing a diversified environment for marry kinds of animals and plants necessary for wildlife maintenance and important to aesthetic values and recreational requirements of the city; and • promoting energy conservation by providing shade in the summer and windbreak in the winter. Definitions Applicant -Arty person or entity which is required to submit and implement an approved tree preservation plan. Builder -Any person or entity to whom a building permit is issued for the construction of a single family residence. Clearine -Any intentional or negligent act to cut down, remove all or a substantial part of, or damage a tree or other vegetation that will cause the tree or other vegetation to decline and/or die. Such act shall include but not be limited to damage inflicted upon the root system of the vegetation by the application of toxic substances, by the operation of equipment and vehicles, by storage of materials, by the change of natural grade due to unapproved excavation or filling, or by the unapproved alteration of natural physical conditions. Construction azea - Arty area in which movement of earth, alteration in topography, soil compaction, disruption of vegetation, change in soil chemistry, or any other change in the natural character of the land occurs as a result of the site preparation, grading, building construction or any other construction activity. Critical root zone (CRZ~ - A circular region measured outward from the tree with a radial distance of one foot for every one inch of tree diameter. For specimen trees, the formula changes to 1.5 feet for every one inch of tree diameter.