§ 8-5-3. Objectives.

The objectives of this article are to protect, maintain, and enhance both the immediate and long term health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City; following objectives support this purpose by encouraging a productive balance between development and nature:

(1)

To encourage preservation of trees and prevent unreasonable or unnecessary damage to the City's existing tree canopy;

(2)

To promote and enhance the natural value of trees which contribute to the enhancement of public and private property values, contribute to air purification, oxygen regeneration, groundwater recharge, storm water runoff control, noise abatement, to the reduction of energy needed for heating and cooling, and glare;

(3)

To promote energy conservation by maximizing the shading and cooling effects of trees;

(4)

To preserve a portion of existing trees and to ensure that local stock of native trees is replenished;

(5)

To maintain natural beauty in developed areas by promoting the preservation and replanting of trees.