(A) Public tree care. The city shall have the right to plant, prune, maintain and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to insure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. All work on trees shall be according to ANSI standards of tree planting, pruning and care. A copy of the ANSI standards is available at the permits and inspections office during normal business hours.
(B) Tree topping. It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. The term “topping” is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to the stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree’s crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, shall be exempted from this provision.
(C) Pruning, corner clearance. Every owner of any tree overhanging any street or right-of-way within the city shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of sidewalks and 12 feet above streets.
(1) The city shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with utilities, the proper spread of light along the street from a street light, or interferes with visibility of any traffic control device or sign.
(2) If the city determines that the traffic on an arterial or collector street is creating damage to the street trees, it can recommend a clearance of 14 feet be required over the said street.
(Ord. 4002, § 1, passed 8-18-2020)