15.20.030 Saving Existing Vegetation.
(1) Developments shall be designed to incorporate existing large trees, clusters of trees or clusters of large shrubs unless the Provo City Forester finds (or a certified arborist in the absence of a finding from the Provo City Forester) that such preservation is unwise. The Planning Commission or its designee shall review the appropriateness of removal of such vegetation if proposed in a development plan.
(a) The Planning Commission may approve removal of some or all existing vegetation based on a determination of the benefits of such vegetation and the efforts made to save and incorporate the vegetation into the design of a development versus the problems such vegetation may create for the development in terms of general construction techniques, the impact removal may have on the character of the area, the topography of the site and harmful conditions the vegetation may create.
(b) The Planning Commission may disapprove a development plan if it determines trees or other vegetation were removed prior to submittal of the development application. If existing trees, clusters of trees or clusters of large shrubs deemed beneficial to the property are removed without City authorization prior to approval of a development, then a fee as shown on the Consolidated Fee Schedule adopted by the Municipal Council shall be assessed to any person responsible for such removal.
(2) Trees and other vegetation to be saved shall be clearly marked to ensure protection against removal or damage. Snow fencing or other acceptable barriers shall be used to protect existing vegetation designated to be saved. The Development Services Department or City Forestry Division shall approve the location of such barriers.