09/26/1977 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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1-B-2 B. Code Amendment re: Tree cutting--amending City Code Sections 6.320 and 6.330 e Recommended unanimously by Planning Commission September 6, 1977. The recommended amendments would limit tree cutting in approved subdivisions to street rights-of-way, public utility easements, and not more than five trees per individual lot per year. Council had previously discussed this amendment in concept because of recent tree cutting in the South Hills. Mr. Saul said Council had discussed on a number of occasions the subject of tree cutting and regulatory mechanisms by which tree cutting might be controlled. In August, the Planning staff had outlined a possible amendment to the Code which would remove subdivisions from the Tree Cutting Ordinance. City Attorney had prepared an amendment to the tree cutting regula- tions which includes the concept proposed by Council. He reviewed the proposed amendment, saying it limits the blanket provision in the present code for subdivisions. Scott Lieuallen left the meeting. Mr. Saul continued the Planning Commission had suggested the use of the Joint Parks Committee to review strengthening the overall ordinance. Mr. Obie said he recalled his motion included in the context that trees would not be cut in approved subdivisions prior to building permits being issued. He asked if the Planning Commission had dealt with that proposal. Mr. Saul said the Planning Commission did not . deal with it directly, reviewing that the matter had been discussed with the City Attorney, noting a problem of trying to integrate the present proposed amendment to the existing ordinance. He said the present ordinance allows a property owner to remove up to five trees per lot without a permit. To try to prohibit any tree removal would present many difficulties and problems and the attorney had recommended the present drafted ordinance. Mr. Obie requested Mr. Long to determine how that could be accomplished tonight. Ms. Smith wondered, in regard to the Joint Parks review, if any time frame had been attached. Mr. Saul said no specific time frame had been recommended, but it would be at the discretion of Council in regard to urgency. Public hearing was opened. James Johnston, 179 West 37th, represented the Crest Drive Neighbor- hood Association and other groups who had concern for tree cutting. He requested that Council consider the definition of a tree having a trunk 18 inches in circumference at a point 4-1/2 feet above the ground be inserted and strike out the previous 36-inch circumference. Another concern was that trees not be removed until building permits are issued. In addition, he felt it very important that the Tree Cutting Ordiance be strengthened very quickly and development should not continue very much longer without some modification to the ordinance. e 9/26/77--10 133