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CLEAR & OBJECTIVE HOUSING: APPROVAL C RITERIA UPDATE <br />November 13, 2018 DRAFT Preferred Concepts Report: Significant Issues Page 43 of 59 <br />Stakeholders expressed a preference for option D, a revision to create a rating scale based on tree type, size, <br />and health. Tree location was brought up as an additional factor important when considering appropriate <br />preservation requirements. Mitigation options were also brought up as a desirable component of any proposed <br />changes. <br />The existing requirement is ineffective as there is no minimum amount of preservation required—the written <br />certification must only state that “consideration” for preserving trees was given. Eugene’s urban forest, which is <br />predominantly located on private lands, is a significant community asset. It is clear from feedback that tree <br />preservation is considered an important livability , compatibility, and natural resource protection issue. <br />Staff reviewed a variety of codes from other cities to understand other ways in which tree preservation can be <br />addressed. Based on this research, it is feasible to move forward with a rating scale as recommended. A rating <br />scale system could require preservation based on lot coverage, square footage of development, density, existing <br />trees or other factors identified as being important. While the provision to implement a rating scale would be <br />more complex than a set preservation standard, it would better promote efficient use of land and effective tree <br />preservation. <br />As it is not intended to create a requirement that would be prohibitive of housing development, in addition to <br />preservation, options for tree replacement are also recommended. While support was not expressed to <br />establish a mitigation bank (option C), it appears to be a feasible option that could promote: <br />social equity – development in highly-ve getated areas that pay into the mitigation bank could support <br />planting of trees in areas where the need is greatest <br />environmental health – mitigation bank plantings could focus on adding climate resilient species given <br />projected changes to our local environment, and <br />economic prosperity – by supporting the urban forest system and alleviating a potential barrier to <br />housing development <br />November 26, 2018, Work Session – Item 2