Tree Preservation: Requirements & Summary
Preservation of trees (public and private) during construction*
Design and Planning
A contractor, developer or owner, when submitting plans for construction, will also need to include on the site plan the scaled location, size and species of all trees 3 inches in trunk diameter and greater. Tree preservation methods and proposed removals must then be shown on the site plan. If a new foundation will be located within 10 feet of an existing tree, redesigning the layout of the foundation should be considered. The best tree preservation plan is to design construction away from trees whenever possible.
Protection
A tree’s root zone is the portion of the tree located underground, spreading out from the trunk in all directions and at varying depths, generally confined to the dripline area. The dripline is an imaginary, perpendicular line that extends downward from the outermost tips of the tree branches to the ground. This is the minimum area around trees that needs to be protected during all phases of construction.
Fencing
Prior to any demolition, excavation or start of construction, tree preservation fencing shall be installed around all trees on private property and around the entire parkway. Fencing shall be maintained around these areas throughout all phases of construction.
Soil or Material Storage
Deposits of soil, building materials, and the parking of construction equipment shall not be permitted within the dripline area of any tree, or on the City parkway
Root Pruning
Prior to construction, the City Forester may require that special attention be given to trees where construction will injure or cause the removal of a portion of the tree’s root system within the dripline area of the tree. Special instructions will be provided to the contractor by the City Forester detailing how to proceed with construction and cause minimal damage to the tree’s root system.
Pruning
The City Forester may require the contractor to prune trees prior to construction to compensate for anticipated root loss and for necessary overhead clearance for the proposed structure.
Mulching
The City Forester may require additional root zone protection by utilizing wood chip mulch in high traffic areas outside of the fenced area. A 6-inch layer of chips will help minimize soil compaction and subsequent root damage. For sites with poor construction access, the Forester may approve 6" woodchips, plywood or stone to be placed over the approved construction access location to the site.
Tree Removal Permit
A City permit is required to remove any tree in Park Ridge that has a diameter of 10 inches or greater in trunk diameter (DBH ? diameter at breast height, measured at a height of 4-1/2 feet above the ground). Permits for the removal of trees may be issued by the City Forester under limited conditions, such as for a diseased or dead tree, a tree that constitutes a hazard to persons or property; removal of a tree consistent with good forestry practices, or removal to enhance the health of trees in the immediate vicinity. Removal of a tree without a City permit will result in a minimum fine of $500 per diameter inch of the tree removed.
Tree Replacement Requirements
The City Forester may require a property owner to replace a tree removed with a permit. If the property cannot accommodate replacement trees, the City may require a payment to purchase and install replacement trees in another location. The tree will be replaced in accordance with the following minimum standards:
- The replacement trees shall have a minimum trunk diameter of 3.0 inches, and the total diameter of the replacement trees may equal or exceed the diameter of the tree being removed.
- Any trees damaged or injured by other than natural causes, to the extent that it is likely to die, become diseased, or constitute a hazard to persons or property shall be replaced with new trees. Each replacement tree must have a minimum diameter of 3 inches, and the total diameter of all replacement trees must equal or exceed the size of the tree so removed.
- All species of trees to be planted shall be approved by the City Forester prior to being planted.
Fees
The plan review fee is $50.00. This will be collected by the Department of Community Development and Preservation, and may be paid along with the building fees. Other fees may be collected if failure to apply appropriate tree preservation measures has occurred.
Violations
Violations of the Tree Preservation Ordinance may result in fines not less than $50.00, nor more than $500.00 for each violation. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. Also, a stop work order may be issued until the violation is corrected.
*Chapter 22 of the Municipal Code entitled Tree Preservation sets forth and provides the various regulations pertaining to the preservation of trees (public and private) during construction.
