An applicant may be required to provide mitigation for any tree approved for removal. The mitigation requirement shall be satisfied by one or more of the following:

    A.    Replanting On-site. The applicant shall plant either a minimum one and one-half-inch caliper healthy and well-branched deciduous tree or a five to six foot tall evergreen tree for each tree removed. The replanted tree shall be of a species that will eventually equal or exceed the removed tree in size if appropriate for the new location. The tree shall be planted and maintained in accordance with city policies and standards or recommendations provided by an arborist.

    B.    Replanting Off-site. If in the city’ s determination there is insufficient available space on the subject property, the replanting required in subsection A of this section shall occur on other property in the applicant’ s ownership or control within the city, in an open space tract that is part of the same subdivision, or in a city-owned or dedicated open space or park. Such mitigation planting is subject to the approval of the authorized property owners. If planting on city-owned or dedicated property, the city may specify the species and size of the tree. Nothing in this section shall be construed as an obligation of the city to allow trees to be planted on city-owned or dedicated property.

    C.    Payment in Lieu of Planting. If in the city’ s determination no feasible alternative exists to plant the required mitigation, the applicant shall pay into the tree account an amount as established by resolution of the city council. (Ord. 646 § 2 (part), 2005)