A. The director shall inspect the property and evaluate each application which is not in conjunction with development. In deciding whether to issue a permit, the director shall base the decision on the following criteria:
1. The condition of the tree or trees with respect to health, imminent danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures, and interference with utility services or public works projects;
2. The necessity to remove the tree or trees for reasonable development or improvement of the property;
3. The topography of the land and the effect of the removal of the tree on erosion, soil retention, and diversion or increased flow of stream waters; and
4. Availability of reasonable or feasible alternatives.
B. The director shall render a decision regarding an application that is not associated with an application for development, within 10 working days after the receipt of a complete application, or within 10 working days of the completion of the review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
C. The director shall issue a permit if:
1. The tree is determined to be dead;
2. The tree is dying or diseased and removal is recommended by an arborist;
3. The tree presents a danger to health and safety;
4. The tree presents a danger to property improvements or structures;
5. The tree interferes with public utilities in a manner that does not allow pruning as an option; or
6. The tree interferes with the development or improvement of the property and there are no feasible alternatives available.
D. If an application to remove a tree is being requested in conjunction with development, then the decision on the tree removal permit shall be rendered simultaneously with the decision on the development and shall be made by the body having final authority over the development application after consideration of the recommendation of the director. In deciding whether to approve a tree removal permit under this subsection, the body having final authority over the development application shall consider the criteria set forth in subsection C, above.
E. The director may refer any application to any city department for review and recommendation.
(Ord. 2286, Ord. 2402)