§ 15.26.060. Tree preservation incentives.

An individual may apply for and may receive, subject to the written determination of the building official, incentives for tree preservation as follows:

A.

Parking Space Reduction. An individual shall be entitled to a reduction in the minimum parking requirements of section 17.32.010 to help meet the minimum tree preservation requirements. For the purposes of providing an incentive, the said minimum parking requirements of section 17.32.010 may be reduced by one parking space for every four diameter inches of trees that have been protected. Up to 30 percent of the required spaces may be waived; however, the city council may approve a waiver in excess of 30 percent.

B.

Sidewalks. Where the building official determines that preservation of trees warrants the elimination, reduction in width, or modification to the sidewalk curb requirements in accordance with the tree preservation standards, a waiver may be granted.

C.

Tree Clusters. In order to emphasize the importance of preserving trees in a cluster during development, additional tree preservation credit will be given as follows:

1.

Clusters of three or more trees less than ten feet apart without existing understory will be calculated at 105 percent for each tree within the cluster with a minimum of size of two and one-half inch diameter.

2.

Clusters of three or more trees less than ten feet apart with existing understory will be calculated at 115 percent for each tree within the cluster with a minimum size of two and one-half inch diameter.

D.

Minimum Lot Size and Setbacks. The minimum lot size and setback requirements of the applicable zoning district for an individual lot or lots may be waived where the applicant demonstrates the following:

1.

Variance from the minimum lot size or setback requirement is needed to preserve a heritage tree;

2.

If the tree permit application is pursuant to a proposed subdivision plat, the average lot size of the proposed subdivision will equal or exceed that of the applicable zoning district;

3.

The public purpose involved in protecting the trees exceeds the public purpose of complying with minimum lot size or setback requirements; or

4.

The resulting lot sizes or setbacks do not violate the master plan or applicable neighborhood plan.

(Ord. No. 2018-03 , § 2, 4-10-2018)