A. The purpose and intent of the Voluntary Heritage Tree Program is to identify, promote public awareness of, maintain, and protect designated trees within the City of Chico. This program acknowledges that Heritage Trees, whether located on public or private property, are distinct and unique living resources of the City of Chico.
B. Any person may submit an application on a form supplied by the director and accompanied by the required fee, to designate a tree as a Heritage Tree. If an application is filed by a person other than the owner of the property on which the tree is located, then the application shall include the written and signed consent of the property owner and the property owner shall have the opportunity to be fully involved in the designation process. Applications shall be evaluated by the urban forest manager and forwarded to the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission for review and recommendation to the City Council. The City Council may designate a tree as a Heritage Tree if it meets any of the following criteria:
1. Any native Oak (Quercus) species or Sycamore (Platanus) species, having a diameter at breast height of thirty-six (36) inches or greater when a single trunk, or a cumulative diameter of thirty-six (36) inches or greater when a multi-trunk, and with good health and structure; or
2. The tree is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species of good health and quality structure; or
3. The tree is of historical interest; or
4. The tree is an unusual species, is of distinctive form, is a part of a significant grove or is otherwise unique.
C. Once a tree is designated as a Heritage Tree, a Notice of Heritage Tree Designation shall be recorded against the property on which the tree is located. Heritage Trees located on public property are exempt from the recording requirement.
D. Heritage trees may only be removed pursuant to Chapter 16.66 of this code.
(Ord. 2402)