A.
Title. This chapter shall be known as the private property tree code of the town of Yarrow Point.
B.
Purpose. Trees are integral to Yarrow Point's community. Protecting and maintaining trees is essential to further the town's comprehensive plan and preserve the community's unique character, and to improve the quality of life. The purpose of the private property tree code is to protect, preserve, and replenish significant trees on private property in the town while allowing for the flexibility to develop and utilize private property. Yarrow Point recognizes that trees significantly further these goals by:
1.
Increasing the town's climate resilience by reducing urban heat island effects and decreasing the town's impact on climate change;
2.
Aiding in the control of drainage and restoration of denuded soil, and promoting soil stabilization and enrichment of soil by the prevention of erosion and the enhancement of sedimentation;
3.
Providing a visual buffer against traffic and a buffer against noise pollution;
4.
Reducing costs associated with storm water control, treatment, and utility maintenance, by mitigating the adverse impacts of land-disturbing activities such as land instability, sedimentation, pollution of waterways, soil erosion, and runoff;
5.
Enhancing local property values;
6.
Improving air quality by absorbing air pollutants, reducing carbon dioxide, and generating oxygen;
7.
Providing protection from severe weather and moderating the effects of winds and temperatures;
8.
Improving surface water quality and control; and
9.
Providing and maintaining varied and rich habitats for wildlife.
C.
Intent. Yarrow Point recognizes that removal of significant or heritage trees may result in the loss of these benefits to the town and its residents. The private property tree code aims to balance the benefits provided by trees while recognizing residents' ability to develop and utilize their private property. The private property tree code is intended to:
1.
Maintain an equitable distribution of significant trees on properties throughout the town;
2.
Mitigate the consequences of significant tree removal through tree replacement;
3.
Implement the goals and objectives of the town's comprehensive plan, the town's shoreline master program, and the State Environmental Policy Act;
4.
Protect property owners' ability to remove trees when they are hazardous;
5.
Preserve and enhance the town's physical and aesthetic character;
6.
Prevent untimely and indiscriminate removal or destruction of significant trees except as provided for in accordance with this chapter;
7.
Improve the town's air quality and reduce air pollution;
8.
Give property owners flexibility in development and mitigation approaches;
9.
Promote building and site planning practices consistent with the purpose and intent of this chapter;
10.
Allow for property development and redevelopment consistent with the town's character;
11.
Ensure prompt development, restoration, and replanting of new trees after tree removal;
12.
Protect significant trees retained during development from damage to tree roots, trunks and branches;
13.
Encourage best practices for the planting and managing of trees appropriately to minimize hazards, nuisances, and maintenance costs; and
(Ord. 753 § 2 (Exh. A), 2024; Ord. 783 § 2 (Exh. A), 2026)