(a)
This division is adopted to promote and enhance a superior community environment, to maintain the rural character, to maintain air quality and ecologic balance, to maintain property values, to provide soil stabilization, to filter stormwater runoff, and to ensure the maximum preservation of the valuable natural features and scenic rural/wooded character as contemplated in the master plan of the city by establishing minimum standards and requirements relating to the protection of trees and natural vegetation.
(b)
It is intended that this division be administered with the foregoing purposes in mind and specifically so as to:
(1)
Ensure, insofar as practical in permitting development of land and minimizing fire hazard, the maximum retention of natural vegetation to aid in protection against erosion of top soil, preservation of natural scenic qualities and healthy ecosystems of the city through good conservation practices, protection from flooding or landslides, noise absorption, maintenance of privacy, and in providing habitat, shade and color;
(2)
Protect mature trees and significant stands of trees in order to retain as many as possible consistent with the purposes set forth herein and also consistent with reasonable economic enjoyment of private property. In this context, privately owned trees have an impact on the quality of life for the entire community;
(3)
Preserve the rugged beauty and natural environment that defines the character of the city and makes it a unique and desirable community; and
(4)
Require the removal of all confirmed dead brush, vegetation, and trees from all properties in order to reduce the risk of wildfire. In the case of dead trees and dead understory, the city inspector must confirm that the vegetation is indeed dead prior to its removal in order for the owner to avoid replacement requirements as described in section 22.03.304(d) below.
(Ordinance 2022-007 adopted 4/13/22)