16.55.260 Shoreline Vegetation Conservation.
(1) Policies.
(a) Where new developments, uses and/or redevelopments are proposed, ensure shoreline vegetation, both upland and waterward of the OHWM, is conserved to maintain shoreline ecological functions and processes.
(b) Encourage management and control of noxious and invasive weeds. Control of such species should be done in a manner that retains onsite native vegetation, provides for erosion control, and protects water quality.
(2) Regulations.
(a) Vegetation conservation standards do not apply retroactively to existing legally established uses and developments. Vegetation associated with existing structures, uses and developments may be maintained within shoreline jurisdiction.
(b) Vegetation within shoreline buffers, other stream buffers, wetlands and wetland buffers, WDFW-mapped priority habitats and species areas, and other critical areas within shoreline jurisdiction must be managed consistent with Part VII (Shoreline Critical Areas Policies and Regulations). Regulations specifying establishment and management of shoreline buffers are located in Section 16.55.400 (Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas).
(c) Other vegetation within shoreline jurisdiction, but outside of shoreline buffers, creek buffers, wetlands and wetland buffers, and other WDFW-mapped priority habitats and species areas must be managed according to Section 16.55.250 (Environmental Protection) and any other regulations specific to vegetation management contained in this SMP and Pullman City Code.
(d) Vegetation clearing must be limited to the minimum necessary to accommodate approved shoreline development that is consistent with all other provisions of this SMP and Pullman City Code. Mitigation sequencing per Subsection 16.55.250(2)(d) must be applied unless specifically excluded by this SMP, so that the design and location of the structure or development, including septic drainfields, minimizes short – and long-term vegetation removal. The City may approve modifications or require minor site plan alterations to achieve maximum tree retention.
(e) Where vegetation removal conducted consistent with this Section results in adverse impacts to shoreline ecological function, new developments or site alterations are required to develop and implement a supplemental mitigation plan. Examples of actions that may result in adverse impacts include:
(i) Removal of native trees, shrubs or groundcovers;
(ii) Removal of non-native trees or shrubs that overhang aquatic areas or stabilize slopes or stream banks; or
(iii) Removal of native or non-native trees or shrubs that disrupts an existing vegetation corridor connecting the property to other critical areas or buffers.
Mitigation plans must be prepared by a qualified professional or under the supervision of a government agency or the Palouse Conservation District, and must contain information required in Subsection 16.55.250(2)(f). All mitigation plantings shall be preferentially placed in the shoreline buffer, unless the trees provide connectivity to upland habitats or other critical areas. Mitigation measures must be maintained over the life of the use or development.
(f) Where a tree poses a safety hazard, it may be removed or converted to a wildlife snag if the hazard cannot be eliminated by pruning, crown thinning, or other technique that maintains some habitat function.
(g) Selective pruning of trees for views is allowed. Selective pruning of trees for views does not include removal of understory vegetation, and must not compromise the health of the tree.
(h) Invasive Species Control.
(i) Hand removal or spot-spraying of invasive species or noxious weeds included on the Washington State Noxious Weed List as a Class A, B or C weed on shorelands outside of steep or unstable slope areas is permitted.
(ii) Mechanical removal or large-scale (greater than 200 square feet) chemical treatment of invasive species.
aa. Mechanical removal or large-scale chemical treatment of invasive species or noxious weeds included on the Washington State Noxious Weed List as a Class A, B or C weed on shorelands outside of steep or unstable slope areas is permitted.
bb. Coordination with the applicable local conservation district is encouraged prior to undertaking invasive or noxious weed removal projects to ensure that the control and disposal technique is appropriate.
cc. Where noxious weeds and invasive species removal results in bare soils that may be subject to erosion or recolonization by invasive or noxious species, the area must be stabilized using best management practices and replanted with native plants (in or outside of shoreline or critical area buffers) or suitable non-native plants (outside of shoreline or critical area buffers). The replanted vegetation must be similar in size and structure at maturity to the removed vegetation.
dd. Invasive species removal efforts that exceed one-quarter acre should be phased if feasible to minimize potential erosion and sedimentation impacts.
(iii) Aquatic weed control must only be permitted where the presence of aquatic weeds will adversely affect native plant communities, fish and wildlife habitats, or an existing water-dependent recreational use. Aquatic weed control efforts must comply with all applicable laws and standards. (Ord. 16-3 §27, 2016).