16.50.120 Review of tree preservation plans and affidavits.
A. The planning director shall review all tree preservation plans and affidavits to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter prior to the approval of any associated development permit or application.
B. Tree Conservation Affidavits.
1. Applicants that are required to complete a tree conservation affidavit as a condition of development approval shall be provided the necessary forms prior to approval of the building or other project permit. The tree conservation affidavit shall include any conditions regarding tree protection and/or planting that apply to the particular property being developed.
2. The city of Anacortes shall not issue building, site development, or other permits for development until such time as the tree conservation affidavit has been completed.
C. Tree Preservation Plans.
1. Tree preservation plans shall be reviewed by the department. Upon completion of its review, the department shall take one of the following actions:
a. Approve the tree preservation plan, with or without conditions; or
b. Disapprove the tree preservation plan, indicating deficiencies to the applicant. If the tree preservation plan is determined to be deficient, the applicant shall be notified in writing of the deficiency and shall be provided the opportunity to modify the plan as necessary to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
2. Tree preservation plans shall be reviewed by the department prior to the approval of the associated underlying permit or application. The underlying permit may not be approved until such time as the Department has approved the tree preservation plan.
3. The tree preservation plan shall be incorporated by reference in any approval issued for the underlying permit or application. Compliance with the tree preservation plan shall be a condition of such approval.
D. The property owner shall be required to record a notice with the Skagit County Auditor. The notice shall provide a public record of any approved tree preservation plan and tree conservation areas; the application of this title to the property; and that limitations on actions in or affecting the property may exist.
E. With the exception of minor vegetation disturbance to allow surveying and necessary technical studies, tree removal activities pursuant to the tree preservation plan shall not begin until the concurrent project permit application has been approved. (Ord. 2756 Att. F, 2006)