19.25.220 Visual corridors and aesthetics.
(A) Purpose. Trees are recognized as providing very tangible benefits that promote the health, safety, and general welfare to residents of Show Low. Trees are a particularly valuable resource in retaining the attractiveness of Show Low’s commercial corridors, thereby increasing and enhancing the economic development and quality of life in these areas. Healthy trees serve as a natural buffer zone between traffic generated by these businesses and the streets that serve them. In addition, trees help enhance the visual and aesthetic qualities that attract visitors and businesses to these commercial corridors, as well as the entire city. Healthy trees reduce air and noise pollution, enhance aesthetics and property values, and are an important contributor to Show Low’s image, pride, and quality of life. It is the intent of this chapter to prevent the unnecessary removal of trees while allowing for a collaborative process between the city and developer which can take into account flexibility and interpretations of existing code requirements, i.e., parking, landscaping, setbacks, etc. It is not to be interpreted as an expansion of landscaping requirements.
(B) Definitions.
Diameter at breast height (DBH): The diameter of the tree’s trunk, measured four (4) feet, six (6) inches from the base of the tree.
Remove or removal: The actual extraction of a tree, except for transplanting to a location on the same lot or parcel, by digging up, cutting down, or the effective destruction through damage.
Tree(s): Any self-supporting, woody plant of a species which normally grows at maturity to an overall height of a minimum of ten (10) feet, and is six (6) inches or greater in diameter at a height of four (4) feet, six (6) inches from the ground.
Visual corridor: The visual attributes, both natural and built, as seen by an individual at a given location.
(C) Applicability. No person, entity, or corporation or any subsequent successors to said lot or parcel shall remove or cause to be removed or intentionally destroy any trees of six (6) inches in diameter or greater, measured at diameter at breast height (DBH), from a developed or undeveloped lot or parcel zoned R2-7, commercial or industrial without first obtaining approval from the planning and zoning department, except when necessary for the construction of streets, driveways, utility lines, and structures approved in a previously obtained building permit. For any existing lot or parcel or once a site plan has been approved on a developed or undeveloped lot or parcel, any subsequent modifications shall require similar approval. Any decision is binding on the property.
Requests for tree removal may be filed independently or in conjunction with the plan review process for a development. The tree removal plan shall be reviewed by the property owner or designee and the planning and zoning director. In the event the joint committee cannot agree upon the proposed tree removal plan, a mutually agreed upon third party shall be called upon to assist the other parties in developing a satisfactory solution. Upon receipt of a request for tree removal, the joint committee shall consider such request within three (3) working days. If the joint committee is satisfied that the applicant’s proposal is not detrimental to the subject lot or parcel or adjacent parcel(s), then approval shall be granted. The applicant shall begin to remove the trees cut down from the subject property within fifteen (15) days and shall complete the tree removal process within thirty (30) days.
The joint committee shall consider the following in addition to the application submittal requirement:
(1) Whether the tree(s) is located in an area where a structure or improvements will occur or prevention of removal would restrict economic enjoyment of the property. The siting of a proposed development should be situated so as to avoid mass removal or clearing of trees and, where possible, take advantage of natural tree stands to the best extent possible.
(2) The tree(s) is diseased, injured, in danger of falling too close to existing or proposed structures, interferes with the growth of other trees, creates unsafe line-of-sight clearances, or conflicts with other ordinances or regulations.
(3) Proposal, if any, of new tree plantings or other landscaping plans.
(D) Application Submittal. Applications shall be submitted to the planning and zoning director by the property owner or designee prior to the removal of any trees. The applicant shall provide:
(1) Name and address of owner and property location.
(2) A diagram or site plan generally identifying the number, location, diameter, and species of tree(s) proposed for removal. In addition, the relationship between location of existing and/or proposed buildings and property lines in relation to the tree(s) proposed for removal.
(3) A statement as to the reason for the request.
(4) No fee shall be charged.
(E) Appeals. Any party who is dissatisfied or aggrieved by the decision of the joint committee may appeal such decision to the city council at their next scheduled meeting. (Ord. No. 2009-01, §§ 1, 2, 1-20-09; Ord. No. 2009-08, §§ 1, 2, 6-2-09; Ord. No. 2010-08, §§ 1, 2, 5-4-10; Ord. No. 2017-04, §§ 1, 2, 3-7-17. 1976 Code § 15-1-44(V))