4-9-195 ROUTINE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PERMITS:

A. PURPOSE:

This Section provides a permit process for routine vegetation management implementing the tree retention and land clearing regulations in RMC 4-4-130.

B. AUTHORITY:

The City’s Development Services Division Director, or his duly authorized representative, is hereby authorized and directed to interpret and enforce all the provisions of this Section.

C. APPLICABILITY:

Unless exempted by RMC 4-4-130C, Allowed Tree Removal Activities, a Routine Vegetation Management Permit is required for any property where routine vegetation management activities are undertaken. (Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011)

D. PROCEDURES AND REVIEW CRITERIA:

Permits for routine vegetation management shall be processed as follows:

1. Submittal: An application for a routine vegetation management permit shall be submitted to the Development Services Division together with any necessary fees as required in chapter 4-1 RMC.

2. Information Required: A routine vegetation management permit application shall contain the information requested in RMC 4-8-120, Submittal Requirements – Specific to Application Type.

3. Time: The permit shall be reviewed administratively within a reasonable period of time.

4. Routine Vegetation Management Permit Conditions: The routine vegetation management permit may be denied or conditioned by the City to restrict the timing and extent of activities or to require tree replacement in order to further the intent of this Section including:

a. Preserve and enhance the City’s aesthetic character and maintain visual screening and buffering.

b. Preserve habitat to the greatest extent feasible.

c. Prevent landslides, accelerated soil creep, settlement and subsidence hazards.

d. Minimize the potential for flooding, erosion, or increased turbidity, siltation or other form of pollution in a watercourse.

e. Ensure that the proposal will be consistent with RMC 4-4-130D2, Restrictions for Critical Areas – General, and 4-4-130D3, Restrictions for Native Growth Protection Areas. (Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011)

5. Time Limits for Routine Vegetation Management Permits: Any permit for routine vegetation management shall be valid for one year from the date of issuance. An extension may be granted by the Development Services Division for a period of one year upon application by the property owner or manager. Application for such an extension must be made at least thirty (30) days in advance of the expiration of the original permit and shall include a statement of justification for the extension.

E. APPEALS:

Appeal of the decision to grant, grant with conditions, or deny a routine vegetation management permit shall be made consistent with RMC 4-8-110, Appeals.

F. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES:

Unless otherwise specified, violations of this Section are misdemeanors subject to RMC 1-3-1. (Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5159, 10-17-2005; Ord. 5304, 9-17-2007)