05-16-2022 Planning Commission Packet

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*;/-11E,#„..\To: Chair McCutcheon and Planning Commission Members Adam Edwards, City Administrator y • From: Jeremy Barnhart,AICP, Community Development 'CFSHO'CL(s. Director Date: May 16, 2022 Subject: #LA22-000022, City of Orono Text Amendment related to vegetative removal in the lake yard Public Hearing Application Summary: The city of Orono is proposing an ordinance amendment that will allow for the removal of diseased or hazardous trees in the lake yard. Staff Recommendation: Planning Department Staff recommends approval of the draft as written. Background The City's Shoreland regulations (Section 78-1285) require a permit to remove live trees within 75 feet of the shoreline,or within the bluff impact zone. Live trees removed require • replacement at a ratio established by ordinance, 1 inch per inch of tree diameter removed,for trees less than 36 inches in diameter, or 0.5 inch per of tree diameter removed for trees larger than 36 inches. There is currently no charge for tree removal permits. The important distinction in this regulation is "live"trees. The code does not require a permit for,or replacement of dead trees, regardless of size. In certain situations, it may be advantageous for a property owner to remove a diseased tree, or a tree that is determined to be hazardous, before the tree is considered "dead". The draft ordinance allows for the removal (but not replacement) of dead, diseased, or those posing safety hazards, in the written opinion of a certified arborist. Public Comments To date, no public comments have been received. Issues for Consideration 1. Should trees that are diseased or hazardous be replaced? If so, at what ratio? Planning Staff Recommendation Planning Staff recommends approval of the amendment as drafted. List of Exhibits Exhibit A. Draft Ordinance •