(A) Statement of purpose. This section of the code is structured to preserve, protect and enhance critical infrastructure - the portion of the urban forest that is located on public land. The complete urban forest is comprised of trees across all land uses and ownership on public and private land. This Section will regulate public property trees but recognizes that trees on private property are part of the collective community resource.
(B) Definition of terms.
(1) DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH). The diameter of the trunk of the tree measured in inches at a point 4.5 feet above ground line. This forestry standard measurement is used for established and mature trees and is referred to as DBH. All reference to diameter size shall be to the DBH.
(2) FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN. A detailed plan developed and approved by the Governmental Entity under the direction of a certified arborist or forester which protects this valuable infrastructure and outlines thoughtful strategies for tree planting, selection, care and preservation for the Governmental Entity and complies with recognized national standards.
(3) TREE PERMIT. A written authorization from the Governmental Entity authorizing the applicant to conduct work which may or may not impact a tree.
(4) TREE PRESERVATION PLAN. A document required by a permit which identifies, by common name and/or scientific name, certain species of trees of a specified DBH within a particular area. The plan shall list all existing and proposed trees and shall specifically state how each tree is proposed to be destroyed, relocated, replaced, preserved at its present location, introduced into the site from an off-site source, and whether the tree is to receive remediated actions due to construction impacts.
(C) Scope of protection.
(1) The City of Berwyn shall have an approved Urban Forest Management Plan. This plan shall be the framework for the protection, management and planting of trees within the City of Berwyn and shall support and clearly define regulations identified in the Tree Preservation Ordinance. This plan shall include the following:
(a) A defined ten-year urban forestry strategy with clearly identified one, five, and ten years goals;
(b) Community canopy mapping identifying existing tree canopy and priority locations for planting;
(c) A strategy for completion and maintenance of a tree inventory;
(d) Clear guidelines on tree species and age diversity;
(e) Clear identification of replacement value and requirements for tree removal or damage;
(f) A preferred tree list;
(g) Clearly defined specifications for tree planting, pruning, and impact reduction;
(h) A risk assessment and management program;
(i) A strategy for management, preservation and protection of naturalized areas;
(j) A strategy for administration and implementation of a volunteer program;
(k) Clear identification of staff qualifications, training, support and needs;
(l) Specifications for contracted labor and consulting;
(m) Clear identification of forestry equipment and resource needs; and
(n) A forestry budget with one, five and ten year commitments.
(2) The City of Berwyn shall have on staff at least one certified arborist. Any urban forestry work completed by a contractor within the City of Berwyn shall be under the direction of a certified arborist. This individual is responsible for enforcement and compliance of the Urban Forest Management Plan.
(3) The City of Berwyn shall have an urban forest inventory of publicly owned trees. This inventory shall be maintained in a current state. Reinventory may be required every five to seven years years unless the inventory is updated with the pruning cycle or is updated as part of routine tree maintenance.
(4) All tree planting, selection and management shall be in compliance with the City of Berwyn Urban Forest Management Plan.
(5) It is recognized that diverse species and age structure of urban trees throughout the City of Berwyn are critical to the health of the forest structure and protects the City of Berwyn from catastrophic loss and improved longevity. Specifications for species and age diversity, planting and management are contained in the Urban Forest Plan.
(D) Tree protection during construction. This section applies to any work or activity which may impact trees on public property.
(1) Unless otherwise authorized by this section, it shall be unlawful for any person to remove, injure or undertake any procedure which will cause death, substantial damage, or create a hazard, to any tree on public property without first obtaining a Tree Permit from the City of Berwyn. In the case of tree management practices, these practices shall comply with the requirements identified in the Urban Forest Management Plan.
(2) Tree protection during construction will be performed in accordance to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards. A full description of tree protection during construction can be found in the Urban Forest Management Plan.
(E) List of prohibited and preferred species. A list of prohibited and preferred species can be found in the Urban Forest Management Plan.
(F) Prohibition of topping. All trees will be pruned in accordance with ANSI A 300 standards as outlined in Urban Forest Management Plan.
(Ord. 22-06, passed 7-26-2022)