A. Healthy canopy trees can be retained and credited toward landscaping requirements if each tree proposed for credit has a dbh of at least one inch, or larger if specified elsewhere in this ordinance, and all requirements of paragraph 8.3.2, Protection of Existing Vegetation, are satisfied. Credit given for existing, healthy, protected trees shall be a number equal to the value of the dbh of each protected tree divided by two inches, but no fraction thereof.

B. Credit shall be allocated on a one-for-one basis for healthy evergreen trees, deciduous understory trees, evergreen understory trees or shrubs. The size of material shall not be taken into account, except where such material is below the required minimum planting size, in which case no credit shall be granted.

C. In order to receive credit for any retained trees, at least 75% of the tree protection zone shall remain undisturbed. Root zones extending into rights-of-way shall be considered disturbed areas, unless legally binding protections are placed upon those areas. Trees whose tree protection zones fall outside the protected area, but are within larger groups of trees, shall not count toward any landscaping requirements but shall be left in place unless they are diseased or otherwise hazardous to the integrity of the buffer or the development.

D. Existing trees located within 30 feet of power lines or within utility easements shall not be eligible to receive credit, unless the tree is a species appropriate for underneath power lines or received approval to be located within the utility easement.