Ordinance 3323-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

functions. Hazard trees are those trees that pose a threat to public safety, or pose an imminent risk of damage to private property. i. The director may determine that a tree or trees pose an apparent hazard or threat to public safety and approve their removal. The director may require, at the owner's cost, an assessment and recommendation from a certified arborist, registered landscape architect or professional forester that documents the hazard and provides a replanting schedule for replacement trees. ii. Where hazards can be eliminated without complete removal of the tree, the director may require that a wildlife snag remain in the critical area or required buffer. iii. Where tree removal is necessary, the landowner shall provide replacement trees as recommended by the assessment or at a ratio of two trees for every tree removed. Trees shall be placed at a location approved by the director to avoid future tree hazards and in accordance with an approved restoration plan. iv. If a tree to be removed provides critical habitat, such as an eagle perch, a qualified biologist shall be consulted to determine timing and methods of removal that will minimize impacts. The biologist's report shall be circulated to agencies with expertise for review and comment prior to approval by the director. v. If a tree to be removed is located within a geologically hazardous area, the planning director may require submittal of a geotechnical report documenting the impact on the property. vi. Unless otherwise provided, or as a necessary part of an approved alteration, mitigation, or buffer management plan,removal of any vegetation or woody debris from a wildlife habitat conservation area or wetland, or required stream or wetland buffer, shall be prohibited. b. Weed removal. The removal of the following invasive,nonnative and noxious weeds in conjunction with a mitigation plan or buffer management plan approved by the director, including revegetation with native plants. The director may require that only hand tools or light equipment be used for removal. i. Invasive and noxious weeds identified in a list adopted by the city or county; ii. English Ivy (Hedera helix); iii. Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor, R. procerus) and evergreen blackberry (Rubus laciniatus); iv. Scot's broom (Cytisus scoparius). 4. Public and private pedestrian paths and trails. Public and private pedestrian trails, including interpretive signage, overlooks, and benches, may be permitted subject to the following criteria and subject to approval by the director: 5