Article I — TRIMMING, DESTROYING, OR REMOVING TREES, HEDGES, AND SHRUBS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY

No Person shall trim, break, deface, destroy, burn or remove any tree, hedge, or large shrub growing on any public property or public Right-of-way unless authorized to do so in writing by the Director, and any removed trees shall be replaced to at least a one to one (1:1) ratio, or the cost of such replacement and associated work paid to the City, by the responsible Person, as determined by the Director.

(Ord. No. 2022-1521, § 2, 9-13-2022)

Any Person desiring to remove any tree, hedge, or large shrub from any public property or public Right-of-way shall file an application with the Director.

(Ord. No. 2022-1521, § 2, 9-13-2022)

(a)

The Director may issue a written Permit authorizing the removal of a specific tree, hedge, or large shrub on public property or a public Right-of-way upon such terms and conditions as is deemed appropriate by the Director to provide protection to persons and property, or they may deny such Permit.

(b)

Any Person removing a live tree, hedge, or shrub pursuant to a Permit issued by the Director shall, within 30 days following removal of the same, acquire and plant at least one specimen of a type and in a location specified in the Permit, or by the Director.

(Ord. No. 2022-1521, § 2, 9-13-2022)

(a)

If the Director deems that the trimming, pruning or removal of any tree, hedge, or shrub within a City Highway is necessary for the protection of the traveling public or public property, the Director shall subject to the availability of funds, personnel, and equipment, cause such tree to be trimmed, pruned, or removed to provide such protection.

(b)

On application of any Person to whom a Permit has been issued to trim, prune, or remove a tree, hedge, or shrub from a City Highway, the Director may trim, prune, or remove such tree, hedge, or shrub described in such Permit provided the cost thereof is paid by the Permittee and provided there shall first be deposited with the Director a sum determined to be the estimated cost of such work. All such deposits shall be placed in a segregated account. Following completion of the work the Director shall determine actual cost of the work and transfer that portion of the deposit to the appropriate City fund and return the balance to the depositor. Should the original deposit be insufficient to cover the actual cost of the work, the Permittee shall be liable to the City for the unpaid balance and shall promptly pay such amount to the City upon demand of the Director.

(Ord. No. 2022-1521, § 2, 9-13-2022)