17.62.070 Landmark trees.
This section establishes criteria for designation of landmark tree(s) and landmark tree stand(s) and establishes a process for conferring such a designation upon a tree or stand of trees.
A. Minimum Criteria. To be eligible for consideration as a landmark tree or landmark tree stand, trees or a group of trees must meet the following minimum criteria:
1. Prominently visible from public streets, public parking areas, parks or open space, from a minimum distance of one hundred feet;
2. Indicate at least a seventy percent chance of surviving more than ten years, and be able to be maintained without excessive threat to the public health, safety and welfare.
B. Additional Criteria. Landmark trees shall meet at least one of the following additional criteria:
1. Possesses special beauty, or horticultural or historic interest;
2. Is of such substantial size or prominence that it has significant visibility from city streets, parks or open space;
3. Is of such substantial size that it makes a significant contribution to the forested skyline of the city;
4. Is a rare or unusual species for this area;
5. Is a particularly outstanding representative of the species.
C. The designation or removal of such designation of landmark trees pursuant to this section shall be by resolution of the planning commission. The tree committee shall review nominations for landmark tree and landmark tree stand designations and removal of such designation and make recommendations to the planning commission for final action upon such designations. Prior to review of designation or removal of such designation of landmark trees by the tree committee and the planning commission, the owner of the property or the city council, in the case of trees on city property or right-of-way, and owners of property adjacent to the trees proposed for designation shall be provided with ten days’ written notice of the action under consideration and the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed designation or removal of such designation; said period for comments to the tree committee or planning commission shall be extended upon good cause being provided to the community development director or designee.
D. Landmark Tree Map. The location of all designated landmark trees and all designated landmark tree stands shall be shown on one or more drawings or maps maintained by the city manager or designee. (Ord. 2020-07 § 2, 2020; Ord. 2006-19 § 1, 2006)