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Developments shall retain significant trees to the maximum extent practical. Areas devoted to access and areas to be cleared for required roads, utilities, sidewalks, trails, or storm drainage improvements are exempt from this requirement.

A. Significant trees are healthy trees that do not present a safety hazard, are not listed in Section 19.57.100 as prohibited, and that meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Six inches (6") or greater in diameter measured four feet (4') above grade

2. Part of a grouping of five (5) or more trees with canopies that touch or overlap

3. Member of a unique or unusual species

4. Within twenty-five feet (25') of a sensitive area or buffer, as defined in Chapter 14.12.

B. The following measures shall be used to protect significant trees during construction:

1. There shall be no clearing or grading of the site until after approval of the landscape plan.

2. The developer shall install a temporary but immovable fence four feet (4') high around the tree at the dripline to prevent disturbance during construction.

3. There shall be no impervious surfaces, fill, excavation, or storage of materials within the fenced area.

4. If the grade level around the tree is to be raised by more than one foot (1') , a rock well shall be constructed around the tree, with the inside diameter of the well corresponding to the dripline of the tree. No fill is allowed inside the well area.

5. The grade level shall not be lowered within the larger of the two (2) areas defined as follows:

a. The drip line of the tree, or

b. An area around the tree equal to one foot (1') in diameter for each inch of tree trunk diameter measured four feet (4') above the ground.

C. Alternative protection measures may be used if the city determines they will provide equal or greater tree protection.