RCW 35.105.080 Model evergreen community ordinances—Elements to consider.

The department shall, in the development of model evergreen community ordinances under RCW 35.105.050, consider including, but not be limited to, the following policy elements:

(1) Tree canopy cover, density, and spacing;

(2) Tree conservation and retention;

(3) Vegetated stormwater runoff management using native trees and appropriate nonnative, nonnaturalized vegetation;

(4) Clearing, grading, protection of soils, reductions in soil compaction, and use of appropriate soils with low runoff potential and high infiltration rates;

(5) Appropriate tree siting and maintenance for vegetation management practices and programs to prevent vegetation from interfering with or damaging utilities and public facilities;

(6) Native species and nonnative, nonnaturalized species diversity selection to reduce disease and pests in urban forests;

(7) Tree maintenance;

(8) Street tree installation and maintenance;

(9) Tree and vegetation buffers for riparian areas, critical areas, transportation and utility corridors, and commercial and residential areas;

(10) Tree assessments for new construction permitting;

(11) Recommended forest conditions for different land use types;

(12) Variances for hardship and safety;

(13) Variances to avoid conflicts with renewable solar energy infrastructure, passive solar building design, and locally grown produce; and

(14) Permits and appeals.

[ 2008 c 299 § 13.]

NOTES:

Short title—2008 c 299: See note following RCW 35.105.010.