§ 34-312. Incentive for woodland mitigation.

(a)

[Mitigation.] As an alternative or partial alternative to planting replacement trees, the city council, after recommendation from the planning commission, may approve trees which are smaller in caliper size in situations where the intent is to recreate or create a densely-wooded area or wood lot. Such groupings of trees shall consist of canopy trees of a reduced caliper, understory trees, and shrubs and shall be used only in situations and locations where it is appropriate to create a densely-wooded effect.

Woodland Mitigation

(1)

With respect to mitigation, a woodland is composed of 136 canopy trees, 50 understory trees, 250 shrubs, and a herbaceous ground cover per acre. These numbers are based on property tree surveys and represent an average density per acre. Mitigated woodlands can enhance both the individual site and the overall community by establishing a natural buffer along property boundaries. These natural vegetative borders may help in establishing larger contiguous areas by being linked to similar woodlands or natural areas on adjacent parcels.

a.

Mitigated woodlands shall consist of areas greater than 5,445 square feet ( 1/8 th of an acre) with the number of plants proportional to the area involved.

b.

There is no maximum size limit for a mitigated woodland; however a minimum width of 12 feet is required.

c.

The edges of a mitigated woodland will be defined as a boundary six feet away from the trunks of the border plants. Canopy and tree species should be randomly located throughout the mitigated area. Shrub species should be integrated along the edges to enhance the overall woodland appearance. Herbaceous ground cover shall be uniformly distributed across the entire area.

(2)

Replacement credit and mitigation woodland vegetation mix. The following table shows the credit for replacement trees for creating a mitigated woodland and the required plant diversity and distribution with the woodland. The credit represents an approximate 25 percent cost savings for the developer as an incentive for mitigating woodlands. In addition, the applicant will realize long term maintenance savings since mitigated woodlands do not require watering or lawn mowing after being established.

Replacement Tree Credit	Mitigated Woodland Size	Mitigated Woodland Vegetation Mix
		Canopy Trees	Understory Trees	Understory Shrubs
101	1 acre	136	50	250
88	7/8 acre	119	44	219
76	¾ acre	102	38	188
63	5/8 acre	85	32	142
51	½ acre	68	25	125
38	3/8 acre	51	19	94
26	¼ acre	34	13	63
13	1/8 acre	17	7	32

 

(3)

Vegetation distribution in a woodland mitigation area. The following table indicates the distribution of vegetation within a woodland mitigation area.

Percentage Distribution and Minimum Sizes
Canopy Trees	Understory Trees	Understory Shrubs
50% 1½″ caliper branched	100% 6′ branched	100% 18—24″
25% 1″ caliper branched
25% 6′ branched
Evergreen tree - 3—4′

 

(4)

Plant diversity in a woodland mitigation area. The following table indicates the maximum percentage of a single genus in mitigated woodlands. The number of species used within the genus may vary.

a.

This provision is intended to allow predominate vegetation in terms of plant genus to be utilized, while providing for diversity.

Area	Canopy Trees		Understory Trees		Shrubs
	Species	Genus	Species	Genus	Species	Genus
1/8 to ¾ acre	Var.	25%	Var.	50%	Var.	35%
Greater than ¾ acre	Var.	20%	Var.	35%	Var.	20%

 

Var. = variable

(5)

Recommended plant selection. The recommended vegetation list for woodland mitigation, adopted via resolution of the city council, is based on plants indigenous to the Great Lakes Region and their soil preferences. This list is intended as a guide. Final plant selection to be based upon specific site conditions.

(6)

Preservation of woodland mitigation areas. Woodlands mitigated under the provisions of this section shall be placed into a conservation easement.

(7)

Replacement of dead trees with woodland mitigation areas. Trees shall be guaranteed for two years from the date of planting. The applicant shall document the date(s) of tree installation with the community development department. All trees relocated or planted as replacements shall exhibit a normal live growth cycle and shall be maintained by the property owner for the life of the project.

(8)

Areas woodland mitigation is not permitted. Areas where woodland mitigation should not occur are the following, unless authorized by the city council:

a.

Existing wetland areas.

b.

Within five feet of existing or proposed utilities.

c.

Within any existing or proposed easements.

d.

Within five feet of a building or paved area.

(Ord. No. 762, § 7, 11-14-05)