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a tree survey for that property. Commissioner Macht wondered also if there was a question, <br />could not the developer take the trees down and not be concerned about the fine he would <br />have to pay. <br />Mr. DeBlois specified that under the current ordinance, staff has the flexibility to <br />review design standards and make recommendations whether the developer has an <br />appropriate reason for removing trees. Staff, over the years, has tried to balance at what <br />point do you give up trying to save a tree and allow it to be removed from the standpoint of <br />giving it the room it needs to survive. As a result, attempts have been made to save trees but, <br />in some cases, due to inadequate protected areas, the trees did not survive. Staff was <br />proposing that the ordinance be more explicit about circumstances under which trees can or <br />cannot be removed. It would give more direction from the start to anyone reading the <br />ordinance leaving less chance for discrepancy or flexibility. <br />Vice Chairman Stanbridge noticed the mention of specific species and questioned why <br />native species were not specified, and Mr DeBlois responded that the intent was to <br />recognize tropical species and to provide added protection regardless of their size. <br />Director Keating pointed out one of the corresponding regulations that provides some <br />protection is the native upland vegetation set aside requirement of 10-15% of the property; <br />on a scrub property over 5 acres that would be applicable and a certain amount would have <br />to be preserved. <br />Mr. DeBlois advised that standard procedure, particularly on subdivisions, is to <br />initially have the developer identify any existing native plant communities on the site in order <br />to implement the requirement of preserving a certain percentage of it. <br />Vice Chairman Stanbridge believed the County also ought to have photographs or <br />videos showing the preservation/vegetative areas on record since nine times out of ten it is <br />claimed that all the growth was non -natives such as Brazilian peppers. <br />February 13, 2001 <br />87 <br />81( 117PG099 <br />