(A) Generally. All utilities, contractors, subcontractors or permittees shall comply with all city ordinances related to vegetation control during construction and the utility shall maintain and conduct all vegetation control necessary to comply with city code and to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public.
(B) Electric utilities – Compliance with state laws and regulations. An electric utility shall conduct all tree-trimming and vegetation control activities in a right-of-way in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations, and additionally, in accordance with such local franchise or other agreement with the city as permitted by law.
(C) Other utilities – Tree trimming permit required. Tree trimming that is done by any other utility with facilities in a right-of-way and that is not performed pursuant to applicable state laws and regulations specifically governing the same, shall not be considered a normal maintenance operation, but shall require the application for and the issuance of a permit, in addition to any other permit required under the City Code.
(1) Application for tree trimming permit. Applications for tree trimming permits shall include an assurance that the work will be accomplished by competent workers with supervision who are experienced in accepted tree pruning practices. Tree trimming permits shall designate an expiration date in the interest of assuring that the work will be expeditiously accomplished.
(2) Damage to trees. Poor pruning practices resulting in damaged or misshapen trees will not be tolerated and shall be grounds for cancellation of the tree trimming permit and for the assessment of damages. The city will require compensation for trees extensively damaged and for trees removed without authorization. The formula developed by the International Society of Arboriculture will be used as a basis for determining the compensation for damaged trees or the unauthorized removal of trees. The city may require the removal and replacement of trees if trimming or radical pruning would leave them in an unacceptable condition.
(D) Specimen trees or trees of special significance. The city may require that special measures be taken to preserve specimen trees or trees of special significance. The required measures may consist of higher poles, side arm extensions, covered wire or other means.
(E) Chemical use.
(1) Except as provided in the following division, no utility shall spray, inject or pour any chemicals on or near any trees, shrubs or vegetation in the city for any purpose, including the control of growth, insects or disease.
(2) Spraying of any type of brush-killing chemicals will not be permitted on rights-of-way unless the utility demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director or designee, that such spraying is the only practicable method of vegetation control.
(Ord. 19-21, passed 8-13-2019)