Johns Creek › Administrative Guidelines of the Tree Preservation Ordinance

II — Administrative Guidelines for Development in All Districts

Code as publishedas of 2025-07-19

Our copychecked by hand

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Verify with City of Johns Creek ↗19 sections · full chapter

§ appendix-d

Appendix D — Checklist for Landscape Drawings & Tree Protection Plan

APPENDIX D. CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE DRAWINGS & TREE PROTECTION PLAN

Landscape Drawings (generally used for commercial zoned projects) shall have a separate sheet submitted with the landscape plan, to include:

• All required undisturbed buffers, landscape strips, parking islands, and state water (streams, lakes, river, etc.) and tributary buffers with the required dimensions.

• Planting schedules with proposed plant material names (common and botanical), quantity, size, and any special planting notes.

• Planting and staking details.

• Location of proposed irrigation systems, if applicable.

• Drawings for irrigation systems within the rights-of-ways must show the locations of lines, heads, spray radius, timers, and an emergency 24-hour contact number.

• All required landscape strips must be planted at a density so as to provide at least 60% spatial coverage of trees and shrubs.

• Parking islands must be planted with shade trees. (Minimum 2-inch caliper) Permanent structures cannot be permitted in landscape strips, landscape islands, or buffers; including, but not limited to, headwalls, drop inlets, catch basins, rip-rap, light fixtures, phone booths, etc.

• Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips and parking islands. One curb stop per parking stall is required.

• The following notes shall be indicated on all landscape plans in large letters:

1) ALL LANDSCAPING SHALL BE IN PLACE PRIOR TO THE CONNECTION OF PERMANENT POWER OR RECORDING OF A FINAL PLAT.

2) CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT (678) 512-3200 FOR A SITE INSPECTION UPON COMPLETION OF LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION.

3) IF THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN OR PLANT MATERIAL ARE CHANGED IN ANY WAY FROM THE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PERMITTED PLAN, YOU SHALL SUBMIT TWO SETS OF REVISED PLANS TO THE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ARBORIST’S OFFICE FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO ANY LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION.

Tree Protection Plan

1. Provisions for tree protection on the site shall be, at a minimum, in conformance with the requirements of the City of Johns Creek Tree Preservation Ordinance and the Department of Community Development Administrative Guidelines pertaining to tree protection.

2. A tree protection plan shall be submitted either as part of the landscape plan or as a separate drawing to include the following:

• All tree protection zones and areas of revegetation.

• Ground-run survey location of all specimen trees and State Waters, including spring heads.

• Indicate those specimen trees to be removed. Removal of specimen trees or disturbance of root protection zone is subject to the approval of the Department of community development or designated agent(s).

• Limits of clearing and land disturbance such as grading, trenching, etc. where these disturbances may affect tree protection zones.

• Proposed location of underground utilities.

• Methods of tree protection shall be indicated for all tree protection zones, including tree fencing, erosion control, retaining walls, tunneling for utilities, transplanting, staking, signage, etc.

• This plan should indicate staging areas for parking, material storage, concrete washout, and debris burn and burial holes where these areas might affect tree protection.

• The required site tree density factor must be satisfied. Compliance shall be demonstrated on the Tree Protection Plan. Existing trees or stands of trees used in the density calculation must be indicated on the drawing.

• Flowering ornamental replacement trees may not be used in density calculation.

• Replacement trees used in density calculations must be ecologically compatible with the intended growing site.

• An irrigation plan may be required and it must include a watering schedule for existing and replacement trees on the site.

• The following notes shall be indicated on both tree protection plans and grading plans in large letters:

1) CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT (678) 512-3200 TO ARRANGE A PRE-CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE WITH THE CITY ARBORIST OR DESIGNATED AGENT(S) PRIOR TO ANY LAND DISTURBANCE.

2) ALL EROSION CONTROL MEASURES MUST BE INSTALLED PRIOR TO GRADING. ALL REQUIRED TREE PROTECTION FENCING (ALONG WITH TREE SAVE SIGNAGE) MUST BE INSTALLED PER THE APPROVED TREE PROTECTION PLAN PRIOR TO THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING.

3) UNDISTURBED BUFFERS SHALL BE REPLANTED TO BUFFER GUIDELINES WHERE SPARSELY VEGETATED OR WHERE DISTURBED AT APPROVED UTILITY CROSSINGS. REPLANTINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CITY ARBORIST OR DESIGNATED AGENT(S) APPROVAL.

§ appendix-e-addendum

Appendix E Addendum — Trees Having Higher Unit Values

APPENDIX E ADDENDUM. TREES HAVING HIGHER UNIT VALUES

Trees worth 1.0 unit each for density and/or recompense (4” caliper size)

Ceridiphyllum Japonicum-------------------------------- Katsura Tree

Fagus Grandifolia------------------------------------------ American Beech

Magnolia Grandiflora ------------------------------------- Southern Magnolia

Nyssa Sylvatica -------------------------------------------- Black Gum

Pistacia Chinensis ----------------------------------------- Chinese Pistache

Quercus Nuttallii-------------------------------------------- Nuttall Oak

Ulmus Americana ----------------------------------------- American Elm

(2” caliper sizes of these trees will count as .8 units for density and .5 for recompense)

Trees worth .9 units each for density and/or recompense (4” caliper size)

Cladrastis Lutea --------------------------------------------American Yellowwood Crytomeria Japonica --------------------------------------- Cryptomeria

Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo

Juniperus Virginiana --------------------------------------- Eastern Red Cedar Metasequoia Glytostroboides ----------------------------- Dawn Redwood

Quercus Acutissima ---------------------------------------- Sawtooth Oak

Quercus Lyrata-----------------------------------------------Overcup Oak

( 2” caliper sizes of these trees will count as .7 units for density and .45 for recompense)

Trees worth .8 units each for density and/or recompense (4” caliper size)

Carpinus Caroliniana --------------------------------------- American Hornbeam Koelreuteria Paniculata ------------------------------------ Goldenraintree

Liriodendron Tulipifera-------------------------------------Tulip Poplar

Quercus Prinus-----------------------------------------------Chesnut Oak

Quercus Sumardii ------------------------------------------- Shumard Oak

Taxodium Distichum----------------------------------------Baldcypress

Ulmus Parvifolia---------------------------------------------Chinese Elm

(2” caliper sizes of these trees will count as .6 units for density and .40 for recompense)

§ appendix-e

Appendix E — Tree Species Selection List

APPENDIX E. TREE SPECIES SELECTION LIST

Trees acceptable for credit in Density Calculations

Table redrawn from the printed page — checked against a picture of it · verify at source ↗

Table as text

    BOTANICAL NAME            COMMON NAME                   BOTANICAL NAME           COMMON NAME
1   Acer Barbatum             Southern Sugar Maple      23  Juniperus Virginiana     Eastern Red Cedar
2   Acer Rubrum               Red Maple                 24  Liquidambar Styraciflua  Sweet Gum
3   Acer Saccharum            Sugar Maple               25  liriodendron Tulipifera  Poplar
4   Betula Nigra              River Birch               26  Magnolia Grandiflora     Southern Magnolia
5   Carpinus Caroliniana      American Hornbeam         27  Metasequoia              Dawn Redwood
6   Carya Species             Hickories                 28  Nyssa Sylvatica          Black Gum
7   Carya Illinoinesis        Pecan                     29  Ostrya Virginiana        American Hophombean
8   Castanea Mollissma        Chinese Chesnut           30  Paulownia Tomentosa      Royal Paulownia
9   Catalpa Speciosa          Hardy Catalpa             31  Pinus Echinata           Shortleaf Pine
10  Cedrus Atlantica          Atlas Cedar               32  Pinus Taeda              Loblolly Pine
11  Cedrus Deodara            Deodar Cedar              33  Pistacia Chinensis       Chinese Pistache
12  Cedrus Libani             Cedar of Lebanon          34  Platanus Occidentalis    Sycamore
13  Celtis Laevigata          Sugar Hackberry           35  Quercus Species          Oaks, except Live Oaks
14  Cercidiphyllum Japonicum  Katsura Tree              36  Salix Babylonica         Weeping Willow
15  Cladrastis Lutea          American Yellowwood       37  Sophora Japonica         Japanese Pagodatree
16  Crytomeria Japonica       Cryptomeria               38  Taxodium Distichum       Common Baldcypress
17  Fagus Grandifolia         American Beech            39  Tilia Americana          Linden / Basswood
18  Fraxinus Americana        White Ash                 40  Tsuga Canadensis         Canadian Hemlock
19  Fraxinus Pennsylvanica    Green Ash                 41  Ulmus Americana          American Elm
20  Ginkgo Biloba             Ginkgo                    42  Ulmus Parvifolia         Chinese Elm
21  Gymnocladus Dioicus       Kentucky Coffee Tree      43  Zelkova Serrata          Zelkova
22  Juglans Nigra             Black Walnut

NOTE: Other trees may be approved on a case-by-case basis. The general criteria for replacement trees to be used in Tree Density Calculations are large growing (35’– 40’ tall or taller at maturity) and long-lived. All planting plans are subject to the City Arborist or the Department Community Development designated agent(s) approval.

§ appendix-f

Appendix F — Sample Tree Density Calculation

APPENDIX F. SAMPLE TREE DENSITY CALCULATION

Required DFS (density factor for the site) is calculated as follows based on the applicable district.

EXAMPLE: Using the Commercial District density - DFS = 5 acres x 30 units = 150 units required.

EDF (Existing Density Factor)

Table redrawn from the printed page — checked against a picture of it · verify at source ↗

Table as text

EDF (Existing Density Factor)

Size	Units	Number	Total Units
24”	9.3	2	18.6
18”	4.0	15	60
10”	2.4	8	19.2
		Total EDF	97.8

RDF (Replacement Density Factor)

Table redrawn from the printed page — checked against a picture of it · verify at source ↗

Table as text

RDF (Replacement Density Factor)

Size	Units	Number	Total Units
3”	.60	15	9
6”	1.00	45	45
		Total RDF	54

EDF+RDF	Total Site Tree Density	>	or	=	DFS
97.8 + 54	151.8	>			150 (Density Satisfied)

THE SUM OF EDF AND RDF MUST BE GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO DFS

Grid rebuilt from the published table · verbatim source ↗

§ appendix-g

Appendix G — Multi-Trunked Tree Calculations to Determine Specimen Tree Status

APPENDIX G. MULTI-TRUNKED TREE CALCULATIONS TO DETERMINE SPECIMEN TREE STATUS

PROCEDURE:

1. Measure trunks at 4.5 feet above grade to determine the diameter (DBH) in inches of each trunk.

2. Use charts to determine area in square inches.

3. Add square inches of each trunk and come up with a total.

4. Determine if total area is equal to or greater than the minimum specimen size for the type of tree identif

§ appendix-h

Appendix H — Tree and Site Related Disturbances

APPENDIX H. TREE AND SITE RELATED DISTURBANCES

Tree protection zones, specimen trees or stands of trees designated to be saved must be protected from the following damages which may occur during all phases of land disturbance and construction processes. Methods of tree protection and disturbance prevention are provided in Section II, Part B.

• Direct physical root damage.

• Indirect root damage.

• Trunk and crown disturbances.

A. Direct physical root damage most frequently occurs during site clearing and grading operations, where transport or feeder roots are cut, torn, or removed.

• Transport and feeder roots tend to tangle and fuse among the roots of adjacent trees. The removal of trees with heavy machinery along the outer periphery of a tree save area can result in considerable damage within the tree save area.

• The most substantial form of root damage for all root types occurs in the form of cut roots. Roots are cut in grade reduction or from trenching for underground utilities, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer lines.

• A more subtle form of root damage is the loss of feeder roots. Feeder roots normally occur within the organic layer and the surface four inches of top soil, subsequently, these roots can be easily damaged by the track action from a single bulldozer pass. The stripping of top soil within a tree’s root protection zone can eliminate its feeder root system.

B. Indirect root damage through site modification can result from positive grade changes, temporary storage of fill material, sedimentation of erosion materials, soil compaction, and soil chemical changes.

• Positive grade changes from fill and sedimentation causes a decrease in soil oxygen levels. An increase in soil carbon dioxide and other toxic gases can also occur, leading to large areas of anaerobic soil conditions and causing a decrease in the root respiration process which is essential for the uptake and transport of minerals and nutrients.

• Anaerobic soil conditions are also produced by soil compaction, the increase in soil bulk density with a decrease in soil pore space. Compacted soil is also impervious to root penetration and thus inhibits root development. Soil compaction is generally caused by the weight and vibrations of heavy machinery, vehicle parking, and the storage of fill and/or construction material within the root protection zone of trees.

• Changes in soil chemistry will adversely affect tree survival. The most frequent occurrence is the change (decrease) in soil acidity by concrete washout. Most trees native to the City of Johns Creek area prefer slightly acid soils; concrete residues are highly basic. The leakage or spillage of toxic material such as fuel or paint can be fatal for trees.

C. Trunk and crown disturbance are generally mechanical in nature and are either caused directly by clearing and grading machinery, or indirectly by debris being cleared and falling into trees marked for protection.

• Common forms of damage include stripped bark and cambium, split trunks, and broken limbs.

• Damage also occurs from the posting of signs such as building permits or survey markers on trees.

• Indirect damage can be caused by the placement of burn holes or debris fires too close to trees. The possible range of damage include scorched trunks with some cambial dieback, the loss of foliage due to evaporative heat stress (leaf desiccation), and completely burned trunk and crowns.

§ appendix-i

Appendix I — Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement

APPENDIX I. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement

THIS PERMIT #_________________________________ AUTHORIZES _____________________________TO BEGIN RESIDENTIAL GRADING/LAND DISTURBANCE ON LOT IN SUBDIVISION OR AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS ______________________________________________

THE AUTHORIZED PERSON ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING ADEQUATE STEPS TO:

EROSION CONTROL

1. Control soil erosion on said property.

2. Control the movement of sediment off the site by means of properly constructed and maintained silt straps, (silt fence, haybales, etc.) in those areas where water exits the property.

3. Keep mud off the streets fronting this property by construction and maintenance of a driveway pad and removal of mud from the street when necessary.

4. Otherwise comply with all applicable erosion and sedimentation requirements, including those of the City of Johns Creek Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance.

These provisions and others are outlined in the City of Johns Creek Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance. (Please initial the appropriate statement below.)

TREE PROTECTION

1. Protect areas of existing trees/tree save areas on this lot, so that a minimum of 20 tree units per acre is left after construction is completed. If a specimen or heritage tree exists on the lot and is in the way of proposed construction, please contact the City of Johns Creek Arborist at 678-512-3200 to schedule an on-site meeting to try and find alternate areas for disturbance.

2. Tree fence with tree save signage is required on a lot when clearing and grading for home construction commences. All tree fences shall remain and be maintained until the home construction is 100% completed.

3. Otherwise comply with all applicable Tree Preservation requirements, including those of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines.

I, , THE UNDERSIGNED AUTHORIZED PERSON, has obtained a copy of this Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines and understand the provision of the Law.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE ISSUNACE OF A STOP WORK ORDER OR CITATION(S).

EFFEFCTIVE THIS DAY OF , 20 .

APPLICANT NAME CITY OFFICIAL

THIS PERMIT SHALL BE DISPLAYED IN A CONSPICUOUS LOCATION ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE

§ appendix-j

Appendix J — Acceptable Evergreen Plant Material for Undisturbed Buffers

APPENDIX J. ACCEPTABLE EVERGREEN PLANT MATERIAL FOR UNDISTURBED BUFFERS

NOTE: All buffer material must be a minimum of 5 feet tall at install and have branching all the way to the ground.

§ appendix-k

Appendix K — Recommended Shade Trees for Parking Lots

APPENDIX K. RECOMMENDED SHADE TREES FOR PARKING LOTS

Table redrawn from the printed page — checked against a picture of it · verify at source ↗

Table as text

Acer rubrum               Red Maple
Acer saccharum "Legacy"   "Legacy" Sugar Maple
Betula nigra              River Birch
Celtis laevigata          Sugar Hackberry
Cercidiphyllum japonicum  Katsuratree
Fraxinus pennsylvanica    Green Ash
Gingko biloba             Gingko
Ostrya viginiana          Hophombean
Pinus taeda               Loblolly Pine
Pistacia chinensis        Chinese Pistache
Platanus occidentalis     Sycamore
Quercus acutissima        Sawtooth Oak
Quercus coccinea          Scarlet Oak
Quercus laurifolia        Laurel Oak
Quercus lyrata            Overcup Oak
Quercus palustris         Pin Oak
Quercus phellos           Willow Oak
Quercus prinus            Chesnut Oak
Quercus rubra             Northern Red Oak
Quercus shumardii         Shumard Oak
Quercus stellata          Post Oak
Quercus velutina          Black Oak
Taxodium distichum        Bald Cypress
Ulmus parvifolia          Chinese Elm
Zelkova serrata           Japanese Zelkova

NOTE: This is a recommended list only. Other species may be acceptable as long as they produce dense, full canopies at maturity and can develop sufficient root systems in confined spaces. Under no circumstances will upright, columnar, or fastigiate trees be acceptable as parking lot shade trees.

§ appendix-l

Appendix L — Tree Save Fence

APPENDIX L. TREE SAVE FENCE

§ appendix-m

Appendix M — Sample Tree Protection Plan

APPENDIX M. SAMPLE TREE PROTECTION PLAN

§ section-a

Section A — Procedures

A. PROCEDURES

1. Land Disturbance Permits

a. Step 1. Application Forms

Complete application forms and obtain this Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines information.

b. Step 2. Tree Protection Plan

A tree protection plan (TPP) shall be submitted along with other the required drawings as part of the land disturbance permit process. This plan may either be a separate drawing or part of the landscape plan and shall include the following information:

1. Tree Protection Details, detail drawings of tree protection measures and landscape strips (whichever is applicable or both).

• Protective tree fencing.

• Erosion control fencing.

• Tree protection signs.

• Transplanting specifications.

• Tree wells.

• Staking specifications.

• Other applicable drawings.

• Landscape installation plans, planting details, plant list.

2. Spatial Limits

• Definition of spatial limits.

• Limits of land disturbance, clearing, grading and trenching.

• Tree protection zones.

• Specimen trees or stands of trees.

• Areas of revegetation and tree density calculations.

• State waters buffers and/or tributary buffers.

3. Implementation Schedule

• Procedures and schedules for the implementation, installation, and maintenance of tree protection measures.

c. Step 3. Review Process

These plans shall be reviewed by the City Arborist or designated agent(s) for conformance with:

• Applicable Overlay District Regulations

• City of Johns Creek Zoning Ordinance

• Applicable Zoning, Use Permit and/or Variance Conditions

• Tree Preservation Ordinance & Administrative Guidelines

• Any and all Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines dealing with natural resources

1. Plans will be either approved, denied or returned for revisions.

2. Reasons for denial shall be stated in writing on the tree protection plan.

d. Step 4. Tree Protection Measures

All tree protection measures shall be installed by the contractor and then inspected by the City Arborist or designated agent(s) prior to any land disturbance.

e. Step 5. Land Disturbance Permit

Issuance of the land disturbance permit is contingent upon approval of the Tree Protection Plan.

f. Step 6. Follow-up

The City Arborist will conduct follow-up site inspections for enforcement of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and its Administrative Guidelines.

2. Rezoning and Special Use Permits

a. Step 1. Application Forms

Filing application forms and obtaining Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines information.

b. Step 2. Case Review

The City Arborist may conduct a preliminary review of all rezoning cases and special use permit applications.

c. Step 3. Field Review

A field review of cases may occur under the following conditions:

1. For community unit plans and major development cases.

2. For cases within the Chattahoochee River Corridor.

3. For cases within overlay districts.

4. Other cases as determined necessary by the preliminary review.

d. Step 4. Conditions

Conditions to rezoning may be required as found necessary by the preliminary review. These conditions may either be general or specific in nature and will reflect the guidelines or provisions of the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines and the Zoning Ordinance.

e. Step 5. Verification

Compliance with these conditions will be verified by review of a revised site plan prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit.

3. Timber Harvesting Permit Requirements in Agricultural (AG-1) District

A timber harvest permit is only permitted in the Agricultural District required. This permit does not allow any clearing, thinning or disturbance to state water, tributary, or wetland buffers. Clear cutting is cutting trees down flush with the ground; stump removal is prohibited. Any portion of land clear cut or thinned under this provision is still required to meet the minimum site density unit for the district (refer to ‘Density Factor for the Site’ definition).

a. Step 1. Application Form and Site Plan

A filled-out timber harvest application form must be accompanied by a site plan.

b. Step 2. Application and Site Plan Review

The City Arborist will conduct a review of all timber harvesting applications and site plans. The review of applications and site plans will be based on meeting minimum guidelines listed below.

Site Plan Minimum Guidelines

1. Include a note stating that no stump removal or grading is allowed under this permit.

2. All areas of existing trees shall be shown.

3. All areas of trees to be cleared-cut or thinned shall be shown.

4. All areas of trees to be saved shall be shown.

5. All streams, creeks, lakes, wetlands and applicable buffer areas shall be shown.

6. Investigation must be conducted by a forester registered in the state of Georgia.

7. Plan must be designed by a forester registered in the state of Georgia and the plan must be affixed with the forester’s registered seal.

Other Minimum Guidelines

Timber Harvesting under this provision shall comply with the following guidelines:

1. State Waters / Tributary Buffers prescribed by the Chattahoochee River Corridor Tributary Protection Area Ordinance, City of Johns Creek Tributary Protection Ordinance and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance.

2. Erosion control prescribed by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance.

3. Stream crossing prescribed by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance.

4. A 25-foot undisturbed buffer shall be provided and maintained along the entire perimeter of the property, including road frontages, during the timber harvesting activity, except for authorized access crossings.

5. The property shall be required to meet the tree density (DFS) of the applicable district, not including any trees existing in the 25-foot buffer, upon completion of the authorized timber harvesting activities.

6. The owner/developer shall utilize the recommended Best Management Practices as established by the Georgia Forestry Commission.

NOTE: Concerning the best management practice of SMZ’S or stream side management zones, no timber harvesting can occur within the 25-foot State Waters Buffer, the 50-foot blueline Tributary Buffer, or the 75-foot State Waters Buffer. All buffers are measured from the top of the bank on both sides of a stream or creek that has been delineated by City of Johns Creek as State Waters.

7. As part of the process of obtaining a timber harvest permit on property zoned AG-1 in the City of Johns Creek, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Department of Community Development in writing of the following information:

• Location of the property by road name, land lot, district, and address;

• The name, address, and phone number of the property owner;

• A letter written by the property owner authorizing timbering or logging operations to be conducted on their property;

• The name, address, and phone number of the logging firm or logger harvesting the timber; and

• The estimated commencement and completion dates.

NOTE: Large Pine Trees 24” d.b.h. or greater shall be excluded from specimen tree protection requirements in timber harvesting operations on AG-1 zoned land. Specimen hardwood trees, however, will not be excluded and are to be protected with tree fence out to a distance of 3 feet beyond the edge of their root protection zone.

4. Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement Form

a. Step 1. Application Form

Complete the Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control and Tree Protection Agreement Form and submit it along with the application for a building permit.

b. Step 2. Requirements

Must protect/preserve enough trees on the lot to meet the minimum density factor for the site according to the applicable district.

NOTE: Refer to Appendix I. to complete the Residential Erosion & Sedimentation Control & Tree Protection Agreement Form.

§ section-b

Section B — Tree Protection

B. TREE PROTECTION

1. Guidelines For Specimen and Heritage Trees and Stands of Trees

Specimen and Heritage Tree means any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds the following diameter sizes:

A tree in fair or better condition must meet the following minimum guidelines:

a. A life expectancy of greater than 10 years.

b. A relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or hollow, and less than 20 percent radial trunk dieback.

c. No more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only).

d. No major insect or pathological problem.

e. A lesser sized tree can be considered a specimen if it is a rare or unusual species, of exceptional quality, or of historical significance.

f. A lesser size tree can be considered a specimen if it is specifically used by a builder, developer, or design professional as a focal point in a project or landscape.

Specimen Tree Stands means a contiguous grouping of trees which has been determined to be of value by the Director of Community Development or Authorized designee(s). Determination is based upon any one or more of the following criteria:

a. A relatively mature even-aged stand.

b. A stand with purity of species composition or of a rare or unusual nature.

c. A stand of historical significance.

d. A stand with exceptional aesthetic quality.

2. Methods of Tree Protection

a. Planning consideration

Root space is the most critical factor in tree protection throughout the development process. The root system of trees easily goes beyond the dripline of the tree canopy. Disturbance within the root zone can directly affect a tree’s chances for survival. To protect the root zone the following guidelines shall apply:

1. The use of tree save areas is encouraged. This will facilitate overall site organization as related to tree protection.

2. The root protection zone of specimen trees, heritage trees, undisturbed buffers, stands of trees or otherwise designated tree save areas shall include no less than the area of a circle with a radius that extends one foot out for every inch of trunk diameter, or the area of a circle with a radius extending from a tree’s trunk to a point no less than the end of a tree’s longest branch, whichever is greater. In some instances, the City Arborist or authorized agent(s) may require an additional area of no disturbance up to 10 feet outside the root protection zone. (See Appendix A. Typical Root Protection Zone).

3. Layout of the project site utility and grading plans must accommodate the required tree protective zones. Utilities must be placed along corridors between protective zones.

4. Construction site activities such as parking, material storage, bury pits, concrete washout, burnhole placement, etc., shall not be allowed within tree protection zones.

5. No disturbance shall occur within the protection zone of specimen and heritage trees or stands of trees.

b. Protective Barriers

1. Protective tree fencing shall be installed a minimum of 3 feet beyond the outer edge of the root protection zone for all specimen trees, heritage trees, stands of trees, or otherwise designated tree protection zones, prior to any land disturbance.

2. Acceptable Tree Fencing Procedures

• A minimum of 4 feet high, constructed in a post and rail configuration. A 2-inch x 4-inch post and a double 1-inch x 4-inch rail is recommended.

• Four-foot orange polyethylene laminar safety fencing.

• Any deviation from the two acceptable tree fencing methods listed above must be authorized by the City Arborist or designated agent(s).

• All tree protection fences must be accompanied by “Stay Out” and “Tree Save” signage.

3. A stop work order or notice of violation will be issued if the project is found to be out of compliance with the Tree Protection/Landscape Plan.

4. All specimen trees, heritage trees, stands of trees or otherwise designated tree protection zones must be protected from silt.

• Silt fencing reinforced with wire mesh fencing must be placed along the outer uphill edge of tree protection zones at the land disturbance interface.

• Silt fencing should be backed by 12-gauge, 2-inch x 4-inch wire mesh fencing in areas of steep slope. (Steep slopes are defined as greater than 3H:1 V).

• All erosion control measures must comply with City of Johns Creek Erosion Control Guidelines.

5. All tree fencing and erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and maintained throughout the land disturbance process and building construction and may not be removed until the certificate of occupancy is approved and issued by the Director of the Department of Community Development or designated agent(s).

§ section-c

Section C — Revegetation

C. REVEGETATION

1. Tree Replacement

a. The replacement of trees to satisfy the conditions of zoning, requirements of the City of Johns Creek Zoning Ordinance or the Tree Preservation Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines, may occur under the following situations:

• To establish the minimum tree density requirements for the site, where grading occurs outside the buildable area of the lot.

• If the lot’s buildable area leaves no protected zone.

• If no trees are present within an existing protected zone.

• Where specimen trees or stands of trees and trees within otherwise designated tree protection zones have been irreparably damaged or removed through land disturbance or construction activities.

NOTE: Unless enough existing trees are saved on site to satisfy density requirements, proposed replacement trees will have to be bonded off prior to issuance of the Land Disturbance Permit.

b. The quantity of replacement trees into a site must be sufficient to meet the required density factor for the site. If it has been determined by the City Arborist or designated agent(s) during the initial site visit that the property in question is completely barren of trees and has been for a long time (i.e. pastureland), then the units for replacement trees will be doubled. (Example: a 4-inch replacement tree is currently equivalent to 0.7 units at a site determined to be barren of trees, the replacement units will be equivalent to 1.4 instead of 0.7 units.) The site will still be required to meet the appropriate tree density factor based on the applicable district –Agricultural, Single-Family Residential, or Commercial and all other Non-Single-Family district unit measurement.

NOTE: The terms unit and tree are NOT interchangeable). Procedures for determining the site density requirements and the subsequent tree replacement requirements are provided in Table 1.0 and Table 2.0 in the next section. No more than 30% of the replacement trees can be pines. At least 70% of replacement trees must be hardwoods of at least 4 different species.

c. The spacing of replacement trees must be compatible with spatial limitations and with responsible consideration towards potential species size.

d. Where the City Arborist or designated agent(s) has determined that site spatial constraints result in the inability to provide for all the required trees, as many trees as possible must be planted on site. The remaining balance of required trees must be planted on public properties using the Tree Bank alternative or the installed cost of the remaining balance of required trees must be contributed to the Tree Replacement Fund in the form of a certified check. A Conservation Easement on a greenspace can also be deeded to the City as compensation for specimen trees removed or to meet site tree density.

2. Specimen Tree Recompense

a. Any and all healthy specimen trees that the City of Johns Creek Arborist allows a developer/builder/homeowner to remove must be compensated for. Specimen hardwood trees must be compensated for with either 2” or 4” caliper hardwood trees. Specimen evergreen trees must be compensated for with either 2” or 4” caliper Southern Magnolias, Deodar Cedars, Canadian Hemlocks, or Cryptomerias. Specimen native flowering trees must be compensated for with either 2” or 4” caliper hardwood trees. Four (4) different species (minimum) of recompense trees must be used if the number of recompense trees required is forty (40) or greater. For purposes of recompense trees only, the unit value of a 2” caliper recompense tree will be .35 units, not its usual .5 unit value. Any and all specimen trees that are slated for removal must have their recompense trees bonded off prior to issuance of the land disturbance permit.

If a specimen tree or trees are removed without permission or the City Arborist determines that the damage to the root protection zone of a specimen tree results in a specimen tree having less than a 50% chance of surviving for two (2) years, the unit value of the specimen tree is doubled and that becomes the unit value that must be compensated for. For example: A 30” DBH tree is normally worth 14.7 units. If it is removed or its root protection zone disturbed without permission its unit value will double to 29.4 units. Thus 29.4 units of 2” or 4” caliper trees will have to be replaced at the project site. Recompense trees cannot be used to satisfy any other landscape requirement such as parking lot shade trees, landscape strip, undisturbed buffer or detention pond buffer trees. They can, however, count toward the required tree density for the site. 2” caliper recompense trees that are counted for density will be worth .35 units per tree.

If the root protection zone of a specimen tree is disturbed without permission, and the City Arborist has determined that the tree has a greater than 50% chance of surviving for two years, and the violator has submitted an acceptable prescription for continued maintenance of the endangered tree, then 50% of the unit value of the specimen tree is the unit value that must be compensated for. The recompense generated shall be divided equally with 50% of the recompense amount deposited into the Tree Replacement Fund and 50% of the recompense amount deposited into an escrow account. The half deposited into the Tree Replacement Fund is forfeited as restitution for the encroachment of the root protection zone; the half deposited into the escrow account shall be returned to the violator after a period of two (2) years with the submittal and acceptance by the City Arborist of an affidavit by the certified arborist certifying that the tree has not declined beyond the natural aging process or that no other decline has occurred which could have been prevented by the property owner. The violator will have one (1) year following the end of the aforementioned two (2) year period to make application to the City for fund deposited into the escrow account. In the event no application is made within the one (1) year period, the amount placed in escrow will be forfeited to the Tree Replacement Fund.

§ section-d

Section D — Tree Bank

D. TREE BANK

Arrangements will be made through the City Arborist. If the tree bank is an alternative for your development, then the following criteria must be observed:

• The tree bank site location must be in the same planning area of the city (defined in the Comprehensive Plan) as the project site.

• Four different species are needed if total quantity of trees to be banked is 40 or greater.

• Each tree bank tree must be 2-inch caliper size at a minimum; 2- inch or 4-inch caliper required for recompense trees.

• All tree bank trees must be grade “A” quality trees with straight trunks and dense foliage and free from injury, pests, disease or nutritional disorders.

• All tree bank trees are to be guaranteed for 1 full year after planting by the developer. Any trees that die within this time period must be replaced by the developer.

• The following notes must be shown on the approved tree protection plan:

WHEN THE OWNER/DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR CALLS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION (678) 512-3200 FOR A FINAL INSPECTION, THE OWNER/DEVELOPER/CONTRACTOR SHALL INFORM THE ARBORIST THAT THE SITE VISIT INCLUDES A SITE VISIT TO A PUBLIC PROPERTY TO INSPECT TREES THAT HAVE BEEN TREE BANKED.

ANY CHANGES IN TREE VARIETY MUST BE APPROVED IN WRITING BY THE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK LAND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION AT (678) 512-3200.

PLANTING MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE OWNER/DEVELOPER AND THE PLANTING MUST BE INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY OF JOHNS CREEK ARBORIST PRIOR TO THE ARBORIST’S SIGN-OFF ON THE CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY OR FINAL PLAT RECORDING FOR THE PROJECT.

§ section-e

Section E — Tree Replacement Fund

E. TREE REPLACEMENT FUND

Arrangements will be made through the City Arborist. If the tree banking alternative is not desirable, then the tree replacement fund is another alternative to help your development meet its tree density or recompense tree requirements. If the Tree Replacement Fund is an alternative for your development, then the following criteria must be observed:

• Tree replacement cost estimates obtained from three landscape contractors must be provided to City of Johns Creek Arborist for approval and the trees replacement cost will be based on an average of the three estimates.

• The required replacement fee will be 100 percent (%) of the total cost to plant the balance of trees that were unable to be planted to satisfy the site density requirement or recompense tree requirements.

• Species selected for replacement must be grade “A” quality, healthy trees and must be ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing site. Guidelines for transplanting and selecting quality replacement stock are provided in Transplanting Guidelines Section. A site-specific tree list will be provided by the City Arborist upon request.

§ section-f

Section F — Tree Protection

F. TREE PROTECTION

1. Procedures for Calculating Required Tree Replacement Density Factors

a. Step 1

Calculate the Density Factor for the Site (DFS) by multiplying the total project site acreage by the required density factor for applicable district:

• Agricultural District – 15 units per acre

• Single-Family Residential District – 20 units per acre

• Commercial & All Other Non-Single-Family District – 30 units per acre).

EXAMPLE: DFS = 2.2-acre site x 15 units per acre (Agricultural district) = 33.

b. Step 2

Calculate the Existing Density Factor (EDF) of trees which will remain on the site to be protected during construction. EDF is determined by converting the D.B.H. of individual existing trees to density factor units using Table 1.0. These units are then totaled to determine the EDF for the site.

EXAMPLE: A total of 5 trees will remain on the 2.2-acre site in Step 1.

When converted to density factor units using Table 1.0, we arrive at the following values:

Table redrawn from the printed page — checked against a picture of it · verify at source ↗

Table as text

Quantity         Size        Tree type             D.B.H.  Units                       # Trees
     3           18’         Oak                   18”     4.0              X            3         =        12.0
     1           20”         Hickory               20”     4.0              X            1         =        4.0
     1           30”         Oak                   30”     14.7             X            1         =        14.7
                                                                                                   EDF      30.7
                                                                                                   total

The sum of all units is the EDF = 30.7

c. Step 3

Calculate the required Replacement Density Factor (RDF) by subtracting the EDF (Step 2) from DFS (Step 1).

EXAMPLE:

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Table as text

RDF           =        DFS        -          EDF
RDF           =        33.0       -          30.7
RDF           =        2.3

d. Step 4

The RDF can be converted back to caliper inches using Table 2.0. Any number or combination of transplantable size trees can be used so long as their total density factor units equal or exceed RDF.

EXAMPLE: On the 2.2-acre site, the following number and size of trees will be planted:

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Table as text

No.     Size     Species     Density Factor Units          DF x Number =                           Total
3       2"       PINE                   0.5                                 3x0.5=                 1.50
2       3"    RED MAPLE                 0.6                                 2 x 0.6 =              1.20
                                                   replacement density factor < or =to             2.70

RESULT: 2.70 is greater than the RDF of 2.30, thus the project’s site density has been satisfied.

CONVERSION TABLES

TABLE 1.0 – EXISTING TREES TO REMAIN

Conversion from D.B.H. to density factor units for trees remaining on the site.

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Table as text

Table 1.0 - Existing Trees to Remain: conversion from D.B.H. (inches) to density factor units for trees remaining on the site

District	Density factor units
1-4 in	0.4
5-7 in	1.2
8-9 in	2.0
10 in	2.4
11 in	2.8
12 in	3.2
13-15 in	3.6
16-20 in	4.0
21 in	4.8
22 in	5.2
23 in	8.7
24 in	9.3
25 in	10.2
26 in	11.1
27 in	12.0
28 in	12.9
29 in	13.8
30 in	14.7
31 in	15.6
32 in	16.8
33 in	17.7
34 in	18.9
35 in	20.1
36 in	21.3
37 in	22.5
38 in	23.7
39 in	24.9
40 in	26.1
41 in	27.6
42 in	28.8
43 in	30.3
44 in	31.8
45 in	33.0
46 in	34.5
47 in	36.0
48 in	37.8
49 in	39.3
50 in	40.8
51 in	42.7
52 in	44.2
53 in	45.9
54 in	47.7
55 in	49.4
56 in	51.3
57 in	53.1
58 in	55.0
59 in	56.9
60 in	58.9
61 in	60.8
62 in	62.8
63 in	64.9
64 in	67.0
65 in	69.1
66 in	71.2
67 in	73.4
68 in	75.6
69 in	77.9
70 in	80.1
71 in	82.4
72 in	84.8
73 in	87.1
74 in	89.6
75 in	92.0
76 in	94.5
77 in	97.0
78 in	99.5
79 in	102.1
80 in	104.7

D.B.H.         UNITS         D.B.H.               UNITS                          D.B.H.  UNITS
1-4            0.4                           36   21.3                           59           56.9
5-7            1.2                           37   22.5                           60           58.9
8-9            2.0                           38   23.7                           61           60.8
10             2.4                           39   24.9                           62           62.8
11             2.8                           40   26.1                           63           64.9
12             3.2                           41   27.6                           64           67.0
13-15          3.6                           42   28.8                           65           69.1
16-20          4.0                           43   30.3                           66           71.2
21             4.8                           44   31.8                           67           73.4
22             5.2                           45   33.0                           68           75.6
23             8.7                           46   34.5                           69           77.9
24             9.3                           47   36.0                           70           80.1
25             10.2                          48   37.8                           71           82.4
26             11.1                          49   39.3                           72           84.8
27             12.0                          50   40.8                           73           87.1
28             12.9                          51   42.7                           74           89.6
29             13.8                          52   44.2                           75           92.0
30             14.7                          53   45.9                           76           94.5
31             15.6                          54   47.7                           77           97.0
32             16.8                          55   49.4                           78           99.5
33             17.7                          56   51.3                           79           102.1
34             18.9                          57   53.1                           80           104.7
35             20.1                          58   55.0

TABLE 2.0 – REPLACEMENT TREES

Conversion from caliper to density factor units for replacement trees.

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Table as text

CALIPER               UNITS                                     CALIPER             UNITS
   1                                    0.4                        8                1.3
   2                                    0.5                        9                1.5
   3                                    0.6                        10               1.7
   4                                    0.7                        11               1.9
   5                                    0.9                        12               2.1
   6                                    1.0                        13               2.3
   7                                    1.2                        14               2.5

Container grown pine trees are given replacement credit as follows:

Tree relocation: Replacement units may be granted to trees relocated on site. Tree relocation is subject to the City Arborist’s or designated agent(s) approval.

2. Guidelines for Selecting Quality Replacement Stock

a. Trees selected for planting must meet the minimum requirements as provided in Tables 3.0 through 8.0 provided at the end of this section.

b. Trees selected for planting must be free from injury, pests, disease, or nutritional disorders.

c. Trees selected for planting must be of good vigor. The determination of vigor is a subjective evaluation and dependent upon species variability. The following criteria are generally used for the determination of vigor:

• Foliage should have a green or dark green color. Vigorous trees will have large leaves and dense foliage when compared to trees with poor vigor.

• Shoot growth for most vigorous trees will be at least 1 foot per year. At least ½ of the branches should arise from points on the lower 2/3 of a trunk.

• Bark texture can denote vigor. Smooth or shiny bark on the trunk and branches of a young tree usually signifies good vigor, conversely, rough and dull bark could indicate poor vigor.

• Trunk taper: the trunks of vigorous trees will generally have an increase in diameter with a decrease in height. Trees with reverse tapers or no taper should be avoided.

• Root color: young roots of most trees will be light in color.

d. Trees selected for planting must be free of root defects. Two types of root defects generally occur:

• Kinked roots, in which taproots, major branch roots, or both are bent more than 90 degrees with less than 20 percent of the root system originating above the kink. A tree with such roots will probably bend at the soil line when released from a supporting stake.

• Circling or girdling roots which circle 80 percent or more of the root system by 360 degrees or more. A tree with such roots would ultimately have less than 20 percent of its system available for support.

3. Planting Minimum Requirement Tables

TABLE 3.0 - CALIPER TO HEIGHT RATIOS FOR DECIDUOUS TREES

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Table as text

STANDARD SHADE TREES                  SLOW GROWING TREES                 SMALL UPRIGHT
CALIPER IN INCHES  AVERAGE RANGE      MAXIMUM / MINIMUM                  AVERAGE RANGE
                   HEIGHT IN FEET                   HEIGHT IN  FEET      HEIGHT IN      FEET
5/16                  -                                 -                       2 To 3
7/16                  -                                 -                       3 To 4
9/16                  -                                 -                       4 To 5
11/16                 -                                 -                       5 To 6
7/8                   -                                 -                       6 To 8
½ To ¾                5 To 6                        8          3.5              -
¾ To 1                6 To 8                        10         4                -
1 To ¼                8 To 10                       11         5.5              -
1 ¼ To 1 ½            8 To 10                       12         6.5              -
1 ½ To 1 ¾            10 To 12                      14         6.5              -
1 ¾ To 2              10 To 12                      14         6.5              -
2 To 2 ½              12 To 14                      16         8                -
2 ½ To 3              12 To 14                      16         8                -
3 To 3 ½              14 To 16                      18         9.5              -
3 ½ To 4              14 To 16                      18         9.5              -
4 To 5                16 To 18                      22         10.5             -
5 To 6             18 AND UP                        26         12               -

TABLE 4.0 - HEIGHT TO SPREAD RATIO FOR CONIFEROUS NURSEY TREES

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Table as text

HEIGHT IN INCHES                                SPREAD RANGE IN INCHES
    12 To 15                                           8 To 12
    15 To 18                                           9 To 15
    18 To 24                                           12 To 18
    24 To 30                                           15 To 21
    30 To 36                                           18 To 24
    36 To 48                                           21 To 30
    48 To 60                                           30 To 36
    60 To 72                                           36 To 48

*Height to Spread ratio should be no less than 2:1

TABLE 5.0 – CONTAINER SIZE TO RATIO HEIGHT

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Table as text

               DECIDUOUS TREES                           CONIFEROUS TREES
                                        HEIGHT SIZES
CONTAINER                 IN FEET                        IN INCHES
SIZE
1 GALLON                  1 To 1 ½                       6 To 9
5 ½" x 6"                 1 ½ To 2                       9 To 12
                          2 To 3                         12 To 15
                          3 To 4                         15 To 18
                                                         18 To 24
2 GALLON                  2 To 3                         12 To 15
7"x7 ½"                   3 To 4                         15 To 18
                          4 To 5                         18 To 24
                                                         24 To 30
5 GALLON                  4 To 5                         18 To 24
9" x 10"                  5 To 6                         24 To 30
                          6 To 8                         30 To 36
                          -                              36 To 42
                          -                              42 To 48

TABLE 6.0 – MINIMUM ROOT SPREAD AND BALL DIAMETER FOR DECIDUOUS TREES

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Table as text

            BARE ROOT             BALL DIAMETER FOR
            DIAMETER         STANDARD AND SLOW           BALL DIAMETERS
            SPREAD FOR    GROWINGBALL AND BURLAP         FOR SMALL
CALIPER     ALL TREES                   TREES            UPRIGHTTREES
                                            HEIGHT IN    DIAMETER INCHES
INCHES      INCHES           INCHES            FEET
½ To ¾      12                      12         2 To3                10
¾ To 1      16                      14         3 To 4               12
1 To 1 ¼    18                      16         4 To 5               14
1 ½ To 1 ¾  20                      18         5 To 6               16
1 ¼ To 1 ½  22                      20         6 To 7               18
1 ¾ To 2    24                      22         7 To 8               20
2 To 2 ½    28                      24         8 To 9               22
2 ½ To 3    32                      28         9 To 10              24
3 To 3 ½    38                      32         10 To 12             26
3 ½ To 4    -                       38         -                    -
4 To 4 ½    -                       42         -                    -
4 ½ To 5    -                       48         -                    -
5 To 5 ½    -                       54         -                    -

TABLE 7.0 – RECOMMENDED BALL DIMENSIONS FOR LARGE TREES

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Table as text

TREE DIAMETER          BALL          BALL            APPROXIMATE WEIGHT OF   BALL
                       DIAMETER      DEPTH           AND TREE
INCHES                 FEET          INCHES          TONS
        5                      4     30              1.5
        6                      5     32              2.4
        7                      6     34              3.7
        8                      7     36              5.4
        9                     7'/2   36              6.2
        10                     8     38              7.4
        11                     9     40              9.9
        12                     10    40              12.2

TABLE 8.0 – RECOMMENDED MINIMUM BALL DIAMETERS FOR BALL AND BURLAP
CONIFEROUS TREES

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Table as text

HEIGHT IN FEET                           DIAMETER IN  INCHES
         1 ½ To 2                        10
         2 To 3                          12
         3 To 4                          14
         4 To 5                          16
         5 To 6                          20
         6 To 7                          22
         7 To 8                          24
         8 To 9                          27
         9 To 10                         30
         10 To 12                        34
         12 To 14                        38
         14 To 16                        42
         18 To 20                        50

4. Transplanting Guidelines

a. The transplanting of new trees can result in major injury to their root system. If proper transplanting techniques are employed, conditions will be more favorable for tree recovery, and the rate of attrition for newly planted trees will be reduced.

b. Transplanting procedures shall follow guidelines established by the International Society of Arboriculture in the “Trees and Shrub Transplanting Manual”. The following is a summary of several of the more important considerations provided in the manual.

• Pre-Planting Considerations

• Only healthy trees with a well-developed root system and a well-formed top, characteristic of the species, should be planted. Guidelines for selecting quality stock are provided in Section C. Revegetation.

• Trees selected for planting must be compatible with the specific site conditions. A site-specific tree list will be provided by the City Arborist upon request.

• The ability of a species to regenerate a new root system and to become reestablished should be considered. Deciduous and evergreen trees should be planted between November and February. Trees planted outside of this time period will NOT be accepted by City of Johns Creek unless a bond is submitted to guarantee their replanting if they die.

c. Planting procedures

• A planting hole 3 times the width of the root ball is recommended. Planting holes should be no less than 1 foot wider than the root ball or bare roots of the tree being planted.

• Trees should not be planted deeper than they were in their former location or container.

• Spade compacted bottom and sides of the planting hole should be roughed or scarified to allow the penetration of developing roots.

• Good water drainage from the bottom of the planting hole is essential for root regeneration.

• Once the transplanted tree is set, the hole should be backfilled with soil of good texture and structure. Traditionally, backfill material is comprised of a mix of native soil, organic matter such as peat, and inorganic material such as pearlite or vermiculite in a 1:1:1 ratio. A back fill with native soil alone is adequate if the soil is of good quality.

• The addition of fertilizer to backfill soil can cause root injury and is therefore not recommended. If fertilizer must be added, a low rate should be used. Approximately 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard of back fill is recommended for bare root plants, and 2.5 pounds of nitrogen per cubic yard of back fill for balled and burlaped trees.

• The back fill should be gently tamped (but not compacted) and soaked for settling.

• The soil should be slightly mounded to allow for settling; a ridge or dike around the perimeter of the hole can facilitate watering.

d. Post-planting procedures

• Pruning. A decrease in leaf surface area from pruning can result in a reduction of the production of food, thus ultimately inhibiting root development. Pruning for vigor or to train young trees should therefore be delayed until after the first growing season.

• Pruning is recommended during the first growing season if the tree is showing “transplant shock” or drought symptoms (wilting), or for the removal of weak, broken, or diseased branches. For correct pruning of trees, always follow the ANSI A300 standard practice for pruning.

• The use of commercially available anti-transpirants is recommended for deciduous trees transplanted while in foliage, if the trees begin to wilt. Anti- transpirants are chemical foliage sprays that reduce water loss through the leaf surface.

• Staking should be used on newly planted trees only where determined necessary. The extent of staking will depend upon tree strength, form and condition at planting, expected wind conditions, the amount of vehicle or foot traffic, and the level of follow-up maintenance. Staking can cause tree damage. Periodic follow-up inspections are required to prevent serious tree- staking problems. Staking should be removed as soon as the tree is capable of providing its own anchorage and support. Recommended types and uses of staking are as follows:

• Protective staking is used to provide a barrier from foot traffic, mowers, vehicles, etc., for trees able to stand without support.

• Anchor staking is used to hold a root ball in place during the period of reestablishment for trees with otherwise adequate support.

• Support staking is used for trees with weak trunks or oversized crowns and unable to stand without support or in wind.

• Guying is recommended where necessary for large transplanted trees (4” D.B.H. or greater) to provide both anchorage and support.

• Mulching newly planted trees will reduce competition from weeds and moderate soil moisture and temperature extremes.

• Fertilizer application should begin after the tree’s first full growing season.

• Water availability for the newly planted tree should be monitored and adjusted according to the species water requirements and the site conditions.

Grid rebuilt from the published table · verbatim source ↗

§ section-g

Section G — Landscape Strip and Buffer Guidelines

G. LANDSCAPE STRIP AND BUFFER GUIDELINES

1. Landscape Strips

a. The width of landscape strips must, as a minimum, conform with the requirements of the conditions of zoning or the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, whichever is greater. The width is measured from the newly dedicated right-of-way or from the property lines of contiguous parcels, as applicable.

b. No permanent structures are permitted within landscape strips. This includes retaining walls, curbing, dumpsters, detention facilities, etc. Monument signs, drainage structures, fences, and sidewalks/trails may be allowed with pre-approval.

c. Curb stops must be used to prevent vehicle overhang into required landscape strips and parking lot landscape islands. One curb stop per parking stall is required.

d. Signs within required landscape strips are subject to the approval of the Department of Community Development or designated agent(s). These signs may only be located in areas of turf or groundcover and must not conflict with the growth potential of trees and shrubs. Signs are not permitted within required undisturbed buffers.

e. The deposition of stormwater runoff into drainage swales through landscape strips is generally not permitted. Exceptions will be considered only if this standard will create an undue hardship to the property owner. Under no circumstances may the width of a drainage easement through a landscape strip exceed the width of the strip.

f. Parking lot landscape islands must, at a minimum, conform to the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. These islands must be planted with at least one 2-inch caliper (minimum) shade tree. Stormwater runoff into parking lot landscape islands may be permitted upon approval by the City Arborist.

g. When fencing is required as a condition of rezoning, the finished surface of the fence must face externally to the project. The exact location for fence placement within the landscape strip will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the City Arborist or designated agent(s).

h. All species within required landscape strips must be ecologically compatible with the intended growing site. If ornamental trees are used to satisfy landscape strip requirements, they will not count for satisfying tree density requirements. All plant materials are subject to the Department of Community Development or designated agent(s) approval.

i. Trees within required landscape strips shall be provided as follows:

1. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or less; a minimum of one tree for every 30 linear feet of landscape strip.

2. Landscape strips 25 feet wide or more; a minimum of one tree for every 20 linear feet of landscape strip.

3. Clumping is permitted.

j. All required landscape strips must be designed with at least 60% coverage in trees and shrubs, with no more than 40% coverage in grass or ground cover. Landscape strip coverage will be calculated as follows:

1. Calculate the total spatial area of the landscape strip.

2. Count the number of trees within the landscape strip and multiply by 100 square feet for trees less than 6” caliper and 200 square feet for trees 6” or greater (This will allow some credit for the spatial coverage of the tree canopy).

3. Calculate the coverage provided by the shrubs planted on center:

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Table as text

                                                               COVERAGE PER
ON CENTER             Equals                                           SHRUB
*3 feet               =                                                9 square feet
*4 feet               =                                                16 square feet
*5 feet               =                                                25 square feet

*At maturity, shrubs must attain this width. Shrub species and spacing is subject to Arborist’s approval.

4. Grass or groundcover may not exceed 40 % coverage within the strip.

2. Planting Within Rights-of-Way

Approval from the Department of Community Development, Department of Public Works and the Department of Transportation (D.O.T), where applicable, is required, as planting is generally not permitted in rights-of-way. Where approval is received, the following conditions must be met:

a. Indemnification and maintenance agreements must be recorded with the City of Johns Creek City Clerk (678) 512-3200 prior to permitting irrigation or planting within City rights-of-way.

• These agreements must be recorded in the name of a homeowner’s association (along with documentation attesting to that association’s existence) for subdivisions.

• These agreements must be recorded in the property owner’s name for all other types of projects.

b. Trees planted within rights-of-way cannot be counted toward the tree density requirement for a site.

• Prior to planting trees in rights-of-way, a shoulder cross-section must be provided indicating the placement of the trees in relation to the curb, and underground utilities. Placement and species are subject to the approval of the City Arborist and/or the Director of Public Works.

c. Drawings for irrigation system within rights-of-way must indicate the location of lines, heads, spray radius, shut off valves, timers and a 24-hour emergency contact phone number.

3. Buffers

a. Required undisturbed buffers must remain undisturbed and actively protected in perpetuity under the auspices of the Tree Protection Ordinance and Administrative Guidelines.

b. Buffers must be replanted where sparsely vegetated or where disturbed for approved access and utility crossings. The buffers should be replanted to meet the following guidelines:

• Must provide a visual barrier. To accomplish this screening, the plant materials must be a minimum 5 feet in height at time of planting, moderately growing evergreen and have branching all the way to the ground. Slower growing trees may be used if larger materials are planted.

• All buffer plant materials are subject to the City Arborist or designated agent(s) approval. Please refer to Appendix J for the list of acceptable evergreen plant material for undisturbed buffers.

• The number of planting rows for tree replacement in buffers is determined by the buffer width:

• Drainage within or through buffers is subject to the approval of the Department of Community Development or designated agent(s).

• Encroachment into buffers for the construction of retaining walls, footings, or wall supports, is not permitted unless otherwise specified in the conditions of rezoning. Encroachments into buffers shall require zoning modifications or variances as applicable.

• All buffers require a 10-foot improvement setback interior and adjacent to the buffer. No grading is allowed in this improvement setback unless permission is obtained from the Director of the Department of Community Development.

4. State Water Buffers

a. The Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance as adopted by the City of Johns Creek Mayor and City Council requires an undisturbed natural buffer extending 50 feet plus a 25-foot impervious setback from the tops of banks on all State Waters. The City of Johns Creek Community Development Department is the official delineator of State Waters in the City of Johns Creek.

b. Land Disturbance within State Water Buffers is only permitted if a variance is granted. For information about how to apply for a variance, contact the Department of Community Development at (678) 512-3200.

• As part of the land disturbance permit application, the applicant must demonstrate the extent of proposed disturbance, including the general type and extent of vegetation to be removed and replaced.

• Applicant must clearly demonstrate the need for the proposed disturbance.

• Additional information may be required on a case-by-case basis.

• Tributary Buffer replanting guidelines will be provided upon request. Disturbed areas within the buffer must be replanted to City guidelines using indigenous riparian vegetation.

§ section-ii

Tree Preservation Ordinance Administrative Guidelines for Development in All Districts

SECTION II. TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT IN ALL DISTRICTS

This set of guidelines shall apply to all land disturbance permits for development within any district and building permits for construction of new single-family residential dwellings.