POLICY TITLE: TREE RETENTION AND PLANTING - DEVELOPMENT CODE: LP.09

Transcription

1 POLICY TITLE: TREE RETENTION AND PLANTING - DEVELOPMENT CODE: LP.09 PURPOSE or OBJECTIVE: REFERENCE DOCUMENTS: To facilitate acceptable tree preservation and provision as part of development in order to deliver healthy, vibrant and ecologically sustainable communities. City of Canning Town Planning Scheme No. 40; Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015; State Planning Policy No. 3.1: Residential Design Codes POLICY STATEMENT This policy outlines the City s recognition of trees as assets with significant environmental, social and economic values and ensures that preservation and enhancement of the City s tree canopy cover is considered at all stages of development. 1. Scope This policy applies to all development with a minimum value of $100,000 in the City of Canning Town Planning Scheme No. 40 (the Scheme) area. 2. Definitions Term Tree Definition A long-lived woody perennial plant with one or more trunks. Trees are categorised by size as follows: Tree Size Small tree Medium tree Large tree Height at Maturity 3m-6m 6m-10m Over 10m Regulated Tree Advanced Tree Deep Soil Zone Arboricultural Impact Assessment Tree Protection Plan A tree that: a) is equal to or in excess of 3m in height; or b) has a trunk equal to or in excess of 100mm in diameter (sum of 200mm diameter for multiple trunk species) measured at 1m above ground level; or c) has a canopy spread of 3m or more; and d) is not identified as an unwanted tree species listed within Appendix 1 of this Policy. A tree which requires planting in a 90 litre or larger container and is of a minimum 2m height and 2 years age at the time of planting. Soft Landscaping area with no impeding building structure, features or impervious surfaces above or below. A report which is prepared in accordance with Australian Standard AS Protection of Trees on Development Sites (AS 4970) and identifies all trees on site and possible impacts on trees being retained. It includes design and construction method recommendations to minimise impacts on retained trees and the measures necessary to protect trees throughout the demolition and construction stages. A plan which forms part of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment and indicates City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 1 of 7

2 Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and protection details for all trees being retained, in accordance with AS Legal Status This policy is a planning policy prepared and adopted by the City of Canning (the City) pursuant to Schedule 2, Part 2 of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 (The Regulations). 4. Purpose 4.1. To recognise the true environmental, social and economic value of trees at all stages of development; 4.2. To state the City s position on the retention, protection and provision of trees on private land and adjacent reserves, as a consequence of development; 4.3. To provide for planning flexibility and incentives where an existing tree is preserved. 5. Policy Objectives 5.1. To ensure developments contribute to the preservation and enhancement of the City s tree canopy cover to: Mitigate the urban heat island effect and the associated health impacts; Provide natural air conditioning and energy efficiency; Assist with community comfort through shade and the reduction of glare; Provide neighbourhood amenity, character and sense of place; Reduce air pollution and improve groundwater quality; Provide recreational and educational opportunities; Contribute to wildlife habitats, biodiversity and ecological corridors; Provide visual screening and privacy; Contribute to the City s drainage system by intercepting and storing stormwater; and Assist with carbon sequestration To achieve the above objectives through: 6. Development Requirements Facilitating the retention and/or provision of an adequate number of trees on development sites; Maximising opportunities for street tree retention and planting adjacent to development sites; Prioritising the retention of existing trees over removal and replacement options; Providing a balanced distribution of canopy across the City; and Ensuring that trees being retained are protected at all stages of development. Information Required for Development Applications Development applications are to indicate the location of all Regulated Trees on site and all trees within adjacent road reserves, including identification of trunk diameter at 1m above ground level, canopy spread, species and levels at the base of each tree. Tree Preservation on Development Sites 6.1. In considering an application for development approval, the City may require the retention of any Regulated Trees on site, pursuant to Clause 67 (p) of the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 2 of 7

3 6.2. In determining a development proposal which is likely to impact a Regulated Tree, the City will assess the retention value of the tree, based on the following criteria: a) The number of trees on the site and the ability to achieve the minimum tree provision rates identified in Table 1; b) The heritage, scientific, social, cultural and/or aesthetic significance of the tree; c) Environmental benefits and landscape amenity; d) The location of the tree on the development site and its proximity to lot boundaries; e) Tree species and habitat values; f) The location of the tree in relation to any conservation areas or ecological corridors; g) Potential safety risks associated with tree retention; h) Tree condition including health, structure and life expectancy; and i) The amount of auxiliary works required to retain and protect the tree To enable the City s assessment under clause 6.2 of this policy, the City may require the submission of a Preliminary Arboricultural Report, at the applicant s expense, in accordance with clauses and of AS The City may require amendments to development design to facilitate the retention of a Regulated Tree Development design is to co-locate areas of communal open space and/or deep soil zones with any existing trees The City may vary other Scheme or Policy provisions (where these provisions may lawfully be varied and such variation is considered to be acceptable on planning grounds) to facilitate the retention of a Regulated Tree Regulated Trees being retained are to be protected during all stages of development in accordance with AS 4970 and AS Pruning of Amenity Trees. The City may require the preparation of an Arboricultural Impact Assessment including a Tree Protection Plan, at the applicant s expense, in accordance with clause of AS 4970 and may require that all development site works comply with the approved Arboricultural Impact Assessment and the Tree Protection Plan. Tree Planting on Development Sites 6.8. All developments are to provide trees in accordance with Table 1 - Tree Provision Rates, through the retention of existing trees, or the planting of Advanced Trees. Table 1 - Tree Provision Rates Type Development of Tree Provision Rate Planning Guidance Multiple dwellings and mixed use developments a) Trees are to be provided at a minimum rate of: i. one large tree for each 36m 2 of deep soil zone; or ii. one medium tree for each 16m 2 of deep soil zone; or iii. one small tree for each 9m 2 of deep soil zone; or iv. a combination of the above; and Minimum 12% of the site area is to be provided as Deep Soil Zone. City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 3 of 7

4 b) Within open car parking areas, shade trees are to be provided at a minimum rate of one tree for each four parking bays. The required trees are to be planted within car parking areas to mitigate the urban heat island effect Single Dwellings and Grouped Dwellings All other types of development Minimum one tree for each 450m 2 of site area. a) Within open car parking areas, shade trees are to be provided at a minimum rate of one tree for each four parking bays; and b) Minimum one tree for each 450m 2 of site area excluding any open parking area. a) For grouped dwellings, preferred location for existing and new trees is common property areas or private open spaces immediately adjacent to common property; and b) The size and location of new trees should have regard to neighbouring properties in particular to minimise overshadowing of solar panels. Small tree species are preferred where there are concerns about the impact on neighbouring properties. The required trees are to be planted within the car parking areas to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The trees may be planted anywhere on site, including within the frontage landscaping strip at a preferred rate of one tree for every 10m of frontage, in locations to maintain adequate sightlines Tree planting is to be in accordance with an approved landscape plan, or where no landscape plan is required, in locations agreed to by the City and marked on the approved plans Where no Deep Soil Zone is required, a minimum 1.5m x 1.5m clear surface area is required for each new tree If the site falls within any ecological corridors identified through a Biodiversity Strategy, the tree species are to be selected in accordance with any applicable requirements within the ecological corridor Driveway design is to maximise opportunities for tree preservation and planting within the front setback area. The number and width of driveways is to be minimised and the use of pervious material and ribbon driveways is encouraged Tree planting on roofs, balconies and other structures and the provision of biophilic features may be considered for the purpose of compliance with this policy, where adequate canopy and soil space is provided, the Objectives of this policy are met, and ongoing maintenance of these features are guaranteed. Street Trees The City s strong preference is for all street trees to be retained in their current locations. Prior to approving a development which may result in the removal of a street tree, all reasonable design alternatives must be examined. City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 4 of 7

5 6.15. Developments are to be designed to maximise opportunities for new street tree planting. To achieve this, the City may require reasonable design alternatives For the purpose of this policy, a reasonable design alternative may involve: a) Deletion of proposed second/additional crossovers to the development site; b) The altering of development design to relocate proposed crossovers which are in conflict with street trees; c) The tapering of crossovers to a maximum of 1m in 5m to provide the required clearance from street trees; d) For lots with a frontage of less than 10m, the narrowing of crossovers to the minimum widths permitted in the City of Canning Plan No. STD 01 Residential Crossover Standard Details or as otherwise approved by the City; e) The provision of shared crossovers for adjoining sites and/or shared driveways with reciprocal right of access easements; and f) Allowing for planning variations, including setback variations, to facilitate tree preservation Crossovers are to be set back from street trees in accordance with the City s Policy ET525 - Streetscape and Park Management Trees in Streets, Thoroughfares and Parks. 7. Development Conditions Conditions and footnotes may be imposed on development approvals, in accordance with the provisions of this policy. 8. Subdivisions In providing referral advice on subdivision applications, the City will consider that the subdivision layout shall not prejudice the potential of future development to comply with this policy. Accordingly, the City may make the following recommendations to the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC): 8.1 The realignment of subdivision or survey-strata boundaries to facilitate the retention of a street tree or a Regulated Tree on site; 8.2 The reconfiguration of survey-strata boundaries to facilitate vehicular access from common property to minimise the number of crossovers; 8.3 The reconfiguration of survey-strata boundaries to maximise tree planting opportunities within common property; 8.4 Imposition of a subdivision condition requiring crossover construction (Model Condition T20) to ensure crossovers avoid an existing street tree; 8.5 Restrictive covenants limiting vehicular access from the street to facilitate access from common property; 8.6 Local Development Plans (LDPs) may be required for lots smaller than 260m 2 or other lots for which LDPs are required under the planning framework, to address the following matters: a) Garage/crossover locations to avoid existing street trees and maximise opportunities for planting new street trees; b) Reducing/restricting the width of crossovers/driveways; c) Shared crossovers/vehicular access; and d) Indicating tree planting locations. 8.7 Where as a condition of subdivision, the common property access way is required to be paved, drained and sealed (Model Condition T16), an advice note is to be provided to state that tree planting may be required within common property. 9. Related Local Policies: ET525 Streetscape and Park Management - Trees in Streets, Thoroughfares and Parks SRS221(04) Town Planning Schemes Landscape Plan City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 5 of 7

6 ET520 Conservation of Flora and Fauna ET527 Urban Revegetation and Greening ET526 Subdivision - Landscaping GOVERNANCE REFERENCES Statutory Compliance Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 Process Links Planning and Development Act 2005 Nil POLICY ADMINISTRATION Directorate Officer Title Authority to Approve Planning and Regulation Director Planning and Regulation The City Version Decision Reference Synopsis Delegation No 1 City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 6 of 7

7 APPENDIX 1 LIST OF UNWANTED TREE SPECIES The following tree species are not protected through this policy due to their invasiveness and potential ecological impact on natural areas within the City of Canning. Botanic Name Acacia baileyana Acacia dealbata Acacia decurrens Acacia elata Acacia floribunda Acacia iteaphylla Acacia longifolia Acacia melanoxylon Acacia microbotrya Acacia podalyriifolia Acacia pycnantha Ailanthus altissima Casuarina cunninghamiana Casuarina glauca Eucalyptus botryoides Eucalyptus conferruminata Eucalyptus globulus Eucalyptus muelleriana Eucalyptus polyanthemos Eucalyptus saligna Leptospermum laevigatum Populus alba Populus nigra Robinia pseudoacacia Salix babylonica Salix cinerea Salix humboldtiana Schinus terebinthifolius Tamarix species Ulmus Procera Washingtonia species Common Name Cootamundra wattle Silver Wattle Early Black Wattle Cedar Wattle White Sallow Wattle Flinders Range Wattle Sydney Golden Wattle Blackwood Manna Wattle Queensland Silver Wattle Golden Wattle Tree-of-heaven River Sheoak Swamp Oak Bangalay Bald Island Marlock Tasmanian Bluegum Yellow Stringybark Red Box Sydney Bluegum Victorian Tea Tree White Poplar Black Poplar Black Locust Willow Grey Willow Pencil Willow Japanese Pepper Athel Pine; Tamarisk English Elm Cotton Palm City of Canning Policy Policy LP.09 Tree Retention and Planting - Development D16/ Page 7 of 7