Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 168 LANDSCAPING AND TREE STANDARDS B. Where fractional numbers of trees result from calculations, the number of trees required will be rounded to the closest whole number. 168.03 TREE PLANTING REQUIREMENTS. 1. Plantings Required Prior To Occupancy: A. All plantings required by this chapter must be installed prior to occupancy or commencement of a use, except as allowed in Subsection 1(B). B. If the plantings cannot be installed prior to occupancy or commencement of a use due to seasonal conditions that may reduce survivability, the Building Official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy and grant a delay of installation until the seasonal calendar dates of June 1 or November 1, whichever occurs first. The property owner shall place in an escrow account, established with the City, an amount which will cover 110 percent of the estimated cost of plants and installation. 2. Planting Sizes. A. Deciduous Trees. At the time of planting, deciduous trees must have a single stem and have a minimum trunk diameter of one and one-half inches measured at a point six inches above ground level or above the top of burlap wrapping. The tree shall demonstrate the growth capabilities, branching formation and crown balance that are indigenous to the particular variety. The tree shall be straight of trunk with the main leader intact and shall be healthy and free of disease and pests. B. Coniferous Trees. At the time of planting, coniferous trees shall have a minimum height of three feet measured from the planted level to the top of the tree. The needle color and branching habits must be normal for the species, and the overall appearance must be indicative of previous care in pruning and development. The tree must be healthy and free of disease and pests. 3. Siting Requirements. A. Trees shall be located in a manner that, at maturity, will avoid interference with the construction, maintenance, and operation of public and private utilities and services aboveground or belowground. B. The minimum planting area required for large trees is 256 square feet. The minimum planting area required for small trees is 120 square feet. C. At the time of planting, trees and plantings shall be separated from other structures and features on a site in order to minimize conflicts as plants mature. The table in Subsection 4 specifies the minimum spacing between plantings and various features of a site. However, the minimum distances between trees, between trees and shrubs, and between shrubs may be reduced by 25 percent to permit design flexibility or to create denser screening where desired. CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1806 -