A. Permit Application. Proposals to remove trees in conjunction with a land development activity shall submit an application for a tree permit to the town for review prior to undertaking any tree removal activities.

1. The Director shall review the application in conjunction with any other land development applications and approve, deny or condition the permit prior to issuance of any other developments permits issued by the town.

2. Applicants proposing to remove trees in conjunction with a land development activity shall submit the following information concurrent with the development application:

a. Graphic scale and north arrow;

b. Vicinity map and property address;

c. Location of all existing and proposed improvements;

d. Location and delineation of slopes greater than fifteen percent, wetlands and water courses, or other areas, with any associated buffer areas as required by the environmentally sensitive ordinance, and any open areas and associated buffers;

e. Public roads and rights-of-way;

f. Property line boundaries;

g. Location, size, species and approximate drip line (area outlined by the foliage) of all trees, within the area to be impacted including an indication or schedule of which trees will be retained, removed and/or replaced; and

h. Location, species and size of all replacement trees to be planted.

B. Review Criteria. The Director shall review the application consistent with the following provisions:

1. The proposal is consistent with the purposes of this chapter set forth in Section 16.12.010;

2. The proposal is consistent with the tree removal and replacement requirements of Section 16.12.080;

3. The proposal will not likely result in harm to flora or fauna species, including but not limited to eagles, other raptors, pileated woodpeckers and band tailed pigeons; nor to those species listed as state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species and priority habitats, as identified by the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife;

4. That the proposal will not likely result in negative impacts to soil or hydrology of the site and adjacent properties.

C. Exemptions from Replacement. The following activities conducted under an approved land development permit on undeveloped lots are exempt from tree replacement:

1. Removal of trees creating a hazardous condition, as determined by the Director;

2. The removal of trees within the planned building footprint and within fifteen feet of the foundation.

D. Maximum Tree Removal and Replacement. Notwithstanding other sections of this chapter, tree removal for land development on undeveloped lots, tracts or parcels shall not exceed five percent of the trees located outside of the proposed building footprint, access, utility easements, steep slopes, wetlands, stream corridors and associated buffer locations on the property. Such removed trees shall be replaced pursuant to Section 16.12.080 and at a ratio of one replacement tree for each removed tree. (Ord. 03-425 (part), 2003)