Site Design Standards (SDS)

SDS 4.3 Preservation of Existing Trees & Vegetation

SDS 4.3.1 Intent.

Existing trees and vegetation shall be preserved whenever possible to act as buffers between adjoining developments and as site amenities within the development.

Standard:

SDS 4.3.2 Significant Trees. 

Significant tree shall be defined as one of the following:

• Deciduous tree at least twelve (12) inches in caliper.
• Evergreen tree at least twelve (12) feet in height.
• Groups of ten (10) or more deciduous or evergreen trees with at least six (6) inches in caliper.
• Tree canopy area as determined by the City Forester.

SDS 4.3.3 Significant Tree Preservation. 

Significant trees shall be preserved or transplanted on site; significant trees which cannot be preserved or transplanted shall be replaced. Preserved significant trees in appropriate locations, such as along drainage ways or along the perimeter of the site, may be used to fulfill landscaping or buffering requirements. Existing significant trees on the site shall be preserved according to the following table.

SDS 4.3.4 Non-Significant Trees and other Vegetation.  

Existing vegetation or non-significant trees that are in appropriate locations, in sufficient quantities, and of acceptable quality to be used to fulfill transition, landscaping, or buffering requirements shall be preserved.

SDS 4.3.5 Tree Survey. 

Developers shall submit an existing tree survey and preservation plan for areas of the site that will be disturbed to show compliance with these standards.  The City Forester shall review the tree preservation plan and tree replacement plan. The extent of the survey required shall be determined by the city.

SDS 4.3.6 Preserved Trees and Vegetation. 

All preserved trees and vegetation shall be healthy and free of mechanical injury. Significant trees shall be protected during construction with the erection of barrier fencing.  Grading shall be prohibited within the root area or drip line of any preserved trees.

SDS 4.3.7 Tree Replacement.

If a significant tree designated to be preserved is removed or substantially damaged during clearing, grading, or construction, the developer shall replace the removed or damaged tree with new trees.  Replacement trees shall be the same or similar species to the trees removed or damaged, or a species native to Johnson County and approved by the city.  For every one inch (1”) of combined total tree caliper removed or damaged, the applicant or developer shall replace two (2) inches of combined total tree caliper; if this option is prohibited by site conditions, the City Forester shall approve an equivalent tree replacement plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901