Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Management Plan - 2014

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.4. Tree Protection 5.4.4. Tree Canopy Retention

Table 5.4.4.A: Existing Tree Canopy Retention Standards

Minimum Percentage of Existing Tree Canopy Cover to be Retained Single-Family Attached and Multifamily Development Nonresidential and Mixed Use Development

Existing Tree Canopy Cover 1

100%

19% 24% 29% 34% 39% 44%

7%

80% 60% 40% 20%

9.5% 12%

14.5%

17%

0%

19.5%

NOTES: 1. Existing tree canopy cover is the percentage of a development site (excluding proposed street rights-of-way, existing utility easements, and natural water surface areas) that is covered by existing tree canopy before development or land disturbing activity.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE: The tree survey establishes that 65% of a 100,000-square- foot multifamily development site is covered by existing tree canopy. Because 65% represents 25% of the difference between 60% and 80%, the minimum required tree canopy retention for the site is 25% of the difference between the requirements for 60% tree cover (29%) and 80% tree cover (24%), or 27.75% of the existing canopy tree cover. This equates to 18.04 % of the total development site. (65% x 27.75% = 18.04%), yielding a tree protection area of approximately 18,038 square feet.

B. Priority Retention Areas 296

Priority area for retention of existing tree canopy cover shall include the following, listed in priority order: 1. Existing tree canopy area containing specimen trees and their associated root zones; 2. Existing tree canopy area located in riparian buffers, wetlands, or wetland protection areas; 3. Existing tree canopy area containing stands of mature deciduous trees; 4. Existing tree canopy area with natural grades of 15 percent or more; 5. Existing tree canopy area containing trees and other vegetation needed for required perimeter and streetyard buffers and landscaping; and

6. Existing tree canopy that is a part of wildlife habitat and other sensitive natural areas.

296 This prioritizes existing tree canopy cover that should be retained.

Morrisville, NC

June 2013 Page 5-7

Unified Development Ordinance - Public Hearing Draft