Ventura Municipal Code Art. 1 Administration 5

5 Cross reference(s): Administration, Title 2.

The duties prescribed herein and the powers granted hereunder will be exercised by the parks manager, or designee. (Ord. No. 2000-23, § 3, 9-18-00)

A. Tree Maintenance. The parks manager has authority to direct the manner in which trees, shrubs, and other vegetation (collectively “trees”) are planted, trimmed, pruned, cut, removed, placed, and otherwise maintained in and along all public streets.

B. Kind and Spacing of Trees. The parks manager will identify the type and variety of trees that may be placed in, upon, or along any street or portion thereof and the distance apart at which such trees will be planted except that no tree will be planted closer than 50 feet from the near line at any intersecting street.

C. Improper Planting. Whenever any tree is planted or set out in conflict with the provisions of this article, the parks manager may remove it in accordance with this chapter. The cost of removal may be charged to the property owner responsible for the planting thereof.

D. Permits. The parks manager will receive applications, issue and revoke permits, and otherwise implement this chapter according to the procedures herein. (Ord. No. 2000-23, § 3, 9-18-00)

A. Planting Trees. The parks manager will cause trees to be planted in, upon, or along the streets of this city in accordance with all applicable laws and encourage the planting, care, and preservation of all such desirable trees.

B. Records. The parks manager will prepare and maintain all necessary maps, plans, and records relating to the various functions carried on under this chapter.

C. Reports. The parks manager will report to the city council annually on the work and activities carried on under the provisions of this chapter. The parks manager will also prepare and properly submit all reports required by law in connection with the planting or maintaining of trees on the streets of this city.

D. Pest Control. The parks manager will properly control and remedy, by recognized methods, all insect pests and diseases which, if untreated, may permanently injure, disfigure, or kill any street tree or trees.

E. Tree Guards. Tree stakes or guards may be placed around trees, providing the same are near the tree for protecting or training such tree and providing that no hazard to public safety is created.

F. Protection From Injury. No person will pile building material, or other material, around any tree, plant or shrub in a street in such a manner that will in any way injure the tree. (Ord. No. 2000-23, § 3, 9-18-00)

The parks manager may remove trees from public parkways if the parks manager determines that one or more of the following conditions exist:

A. If a tree is dead, or in severe physical decline; or if there is splitting or cracking of major limbs or the tree trunk; or if the tree appears dangerous or obstructive to public safety or travel.

B. If the tree is incurably infected with a disease which will permanently injure, disfigure, or kill it.

C. If there is a conflict between tree roots and sewer lines when:

1. The street tree is located within 10 feet of the sewer lateral;

2. Tree roots are evidenced by photographs and/or physical inspection of the sewer line as verified by the parks manager; and

3. Repair methods that allow sewer line repair/replacement to occur with minimal disruption to the tree are deemed inappropriate by the parks manager.

D. If tree growth resulted in sidewalk, curb, or gutter disruption that cannot be reasonably repaired without removing the tree.

E. If the parks manager determines that a specific tree is an inappropriate species, which was not permitted by the city, or conflicts with the city’s tree master plan.

F. When the parks manager determines that tree removal is justified to otherwise protect public health, safety, or welfare. (Ord. No. 2000-23, § 3, 9-18-00)

Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, or when tree removal is requested by a permittee, the city will bear the cost of removing trees and other vegetation under this chapter. (Ord. No. 2000-23, § 3, 9-18-00)

If any tree, shrub, or plant standing on private property, but overhanging or extending into any street, is dead, appears liable to fall, is dangerous or obstructive to public safety or travel, the parks manager will have the same or such parts thereof as are dangerous or obstructive cut down and removed therefrom in accordance with the nuisance abatement proceedings set forth in this code. (Ord. No. 2000-23, § 3, 9-18-00)