In addition to all other powers and duties conferred on him by this Code, the deputy commissioner shall have the authority:
(a) To plant, prune, cultivate, maintain and remove any tree, shrub or other plant material now or hereafter located on a parkway, median or other public property under his jurisdiction;
(b) To place barricades at streets, curbs, sidewalks and other locations where necessary to protect persons and property during the performance of all forestry operations;
(c) To relocate, after making a reasonable effort to notify the owner thereof, any unauthorized obstruction on a public way which prevents or impedes his ability to perform forestry operations;
(d) To remove any unauthorized object, structure or fixture from a parkway or median;
(e) To enter upon private property within the City of Chicago at all reasonable times for the purpose of examining any tree, shrub or other plant material located upon or over such property, and for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter;
(f) To issue rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter or with any other applicable provisions of the Municipal Code, subject to the approval of the commissioner, governing the planting, pruning, cultivating, maintenance and removal of public plant materials, and for the protection of the parkway and medians;
(g) To prohibit and regulate by such rules the planting of certain varieties of trees, shrubs and other plant material on parkways and medians. In determining which types of trees, shrubs and other plant material should be prohibited or regulated, the deputy commissioner shall consider the adaptability of such tree, shrub or plant material to local weather and soil conditions; the effect of its root system on adjacent sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets, underground pipes and sewers; its effect on nearby vegetation; and its effect on nearby human and animal life;
(h) In connection with the installation of parkway trees required by Section 194A-5.13* of the city's zoning code, and pursuant thereto, to review plans, to make inspections, to make recommendations to the zoning administrator regarding conformance of required parkway trees with this chapter and with regard to other matters pertaining to the required installation of parkway trees.
(Prior code § 32-3; Amend Coun. J. 2-6-91, p. 30591)
* Editor's note – For current Zoning Code provisions, see § 17-11-0100.