The owner or agent of the abutting property shall keep the trees in or overhanging the street trimmed so that all branches will be at least 13 feet above the surface of the street and nine feet above the sidewalks. If the abutting property owner fails to trim the trees, the city may serve notice on the abutting property owner requiring that such action be taken within five days. If such action is not taken within that time, the city may perform the required action and assess the costs against the abutting property for collection in the same manner as a property tax. Except as allowed in this section, it is unlawful for any person to trim or cut any tree in a street or public place without first obtaining authorization from the city. The Building and Neighborhood Services Official or his or her designee shall have the power to enforce this section.
(Iowa Code §§ 364.12(2)(c), 364.12(2)(d), 364.12(2)(e), 364.12(3)(b)) (Ord. 2437, passed 12-14-2010) Penalty, see § 98.99