(A) It shall be unlawful to commit any of the following acts with respect to city trees without the prior written permission of the city.
(1) Cut, prune, break, injure, later, or remove any tree; or cut, unduly disturb, or interfere in any way with any root of a tree or trees except as provided for in § 98.24.
(2) Fasten any object, rope, wire, sign, insulator, or other device to protect trees.
(3) Install, remove, or injure any guard or device placed to protect trees.
(4) Close or obstruct any open spaces provided about the base of a tree or trees to permit the access of air, water, and fertilizer to the roots of such tree or trees.
(5) Cut any roots within the drip line of any tree or any roots four (4) inches or more in diameter.
(6) String or bury wires or lines through a public park.
(7) Plant any tree or other plant material on city property or right-of-ways.
(B) The city may grant such written permission if the activity for which such permission is requested is in the public interest and is not likely to injure any city tree. Any person or persons who cause damage to any city trees shall be held liable to city for damages to said tree.
(C) No person shall operate, place, or maintain, within the drip line of any city tree, any machinery, equipment, heavy object, stone, rocks, cement, earth, soil, or other substance which may harmfully affect such city tree or excavate around to remove earth from or cause any water to flow upon the root of any tree. The city may waive in writing, in whole or in part such provisions, but only to the extent absolutely necessary to alleviate undue hardship in the provision of necessary public utilities and the appropriate use and enjoyment of property.
(Ord. 91-3-1, passed 3-27-91; Am. Ord. 2003-07-02, passed 8-13-03)