Title
Consider a resolution removing the monarch designation for a multi-trunk tree located on the site of the proposed Chisholm Trail Development.
Body
This request, submitted by Ian Dietrich on behalf of David Weekly Homes, will remove the monarch tree designation from a multi-trunk tree on the proposed Chisholm Trail single family condominium site. The de-designation of the tree will allow it to be removed as part of the development process to accommodate a proposed internal drive aisle and home site. If approved by City Council, 151.5 tree inches must be replaced on-site or a fee in the amount of $22,725 must be paid to the City tree fund.
A total of seventeen (17) monarch trees were originally identified on the site. Two of the 17 have been administratively de-designated based on an analysis of health conditions conducted by the City Arborist and both of those are planned to be removed. Accordingly, fifteen (15) monarch trees in good condition currently exist on-site. In total, fourteen (14) monarch trees will remain on site should City Council approve this request. In accordance with Section 8-18 of the Code of Ordinances, removal of a monarch tree requires City Council to first remove the monarch designation from those trees; all monarch trees are listed below.
#5013 - 36” Live Oak
#5255 - 36” Live Oak
#5502 - 43” Live Oak
#5514 - 41” Live Oak
#5521 - 45” Live Oak
#5551 - 55” Live Oak
#5552 - 36” Live Oak
#8072 - 40” Live Oak
#8079 - 50” Live Oak
#8082 - 46” Live Oak
#8083 - 38” Live Oak *De-designated
#8094 - 45” Live Oak
#8105 - 37” Live Oak
#8106/8107 - 50.5” Live Oak *Requested for removal
#8108 - 43” Live Oak
#8110 - 36” Live Oak
#8113 - 39” Live Oak *De-designated
Note: measurements are the diameter of the trunk at four and a half feet above ground level.
The critical root zone of Tree #8106/8107 is within the proposed private drive aisle and will have to be physically removed. The developer intends to preserve the remaining 14 trees in addition to their desire to preserve approximately 50 other protected trees larger than twenty (20) inches.
It is the purpose of the Code to preserve and incorporate the city's oldest growth trees into development projects. Planning and Development Services staff have a well-established record of working with developers in designing around these unique, uncommon trees while exercising flexibility to ensure development goals are met. In this case the developer has worked diligently with staff to navigate the various constraints and requirements and has managed to preserve many of the oldest and largest trees on-site. It is also important to note that this site has more known monarch trees than any other site of comparable size in the City. Staff does not oppose the removal of the monarch tree identified above.