Ordinance 2909-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

B. The following uses/activities are permitted in critical areas and their buffers: 1. Minor Utility Construction Projects: Utility projects which have minor or short duration impacts to critical areas, provided such projects are constructed using best management practices to avoid and minimize impacts to critical areas and required buffers, subject to the following criteria: a. The activity does not significantly impact a Type F stream or Category 1 wetland, or a fish and wildlife habitat conservation area; and b. There is no reasonable alternative to the proposed activity with less impact on the critical area; and c. The activity involves the placement of a utility pole, street signs, anchor, vault, or other small component of a utility facility; and d. The activity results in disturbing less than 100 square feet of critical area and buffer. 2. Buffer management when approved by the planning director and all agencies with jurisdiction. 3. Select vegetation removal activities. The following vegetation removal activities are permitted subject to written approval from the director. a. Hazard tree removal with replanting. The removal of hazard trees from critical areas and required buffers subject to the replanting of native trees to maintain critical area and buffer 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 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. 12