405.2.1 Vegetation and Soil Protection Plan

Where existing soils and vegetation are to be protected, a vegetation and soil protection plan establishing designated vegetation and soil protection areas (VSPAs) shall be submitted with the construction documents and other submittal documents. The protection plan shall address the following:

1. Identification of existing vegetation located on a building site that is to be preserved and protected.
2. Identification of portions of the building site to be designated as vegetation and soil protection areas (VSPAs) that are to be protected during the construction process from being affected by construction activities.
3. Specification of methods to be used such as temporary fencing or other physical barriers to maintain the protection of the designated vegetation and soil protection areas (VSPAs).
4. Specification of protected perimeters around trees and shrubs that are to be included in the designated vegetation and soil protection areas (VSPAs). Perimeters around trees shall be identified as a circle with a radius of not less than 1 foot (305 mm) for every inch (25 mm) of tree diameter with a radius of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm). The perimeters around shrubs shall be not less than twice the radius of the shrub.
   Exception: Approved alternative perimeters appropriate to the location and the species of the trees and shrubs shall be permitted.
5. Specification of methods to protect the viability of the designated vegetation and soil protection areas (VSPAs) to support the remaining vegetation at the conclusion of the construction process including minimizing impacts on the existing stormwater drainage patterns associated with the VSPAs.
6. Identification of plans, methods and practices used to designate essential areas of soil and subsoil disturbance.

Where tree protection zones are specified, the specifications and documentation shall be in accordance with Part 5 of TCIA/ANSI A300.