The current proposal reflects the comments made at last summer's meeting, focusing on trees that are especially significant because of their age, size, and rarity. Highlights include:

• An emphasis on protecting really significant trees-regulations would protect these trees even on developed property. These trees are relatively rare in Seattle, and their designation would be determined, in part, by the relationship of an individual tree to the largest tree of its species found in Seattle and Washington State.
  
  
• A basic approach requiring that healthy significant" trees be saved unless an applicant is unable to achieve "reasonable use" of their property.
  
  
• Possible exceptions to development standards are proposed in order to protect significant trees. Such exceptions could include allowing development in portions of front or rear yards in single family and lowrise zones, and height increases in lowrise zones; reduction in parking requirements in multifamily and commercial zones are an option to be discussed.
  
  
• For other trees (over 6 inches in diameter)-a less regulatory approach is recommended. Tree retention would be encouraged through design review (for larger projects) and landscape requirements. However, permits would be required to cut down these trees on vacant land in order to discourage their removal before development projects are submitted for review.
  

Because some of these proposals deal with modifying development standards in certain situations, neighborhood comments are being sought on these issues. Following the public meetings DCLU will make a final proposal to the City Council.