The City provides the following general guidelines concerning restoration actions:
A. Stump growth. Stump growth generally results in the hazard of weak limbs and its protection is not desirable. When considering restoration action for stump growth, aggressive action is preferred. Restoration action, which will result in future stump growth, should be avoided.
B. Trimming. Trimming is the most minor form of physical restoration action. This option is recommended when minor unreasonable obstruction has occurred, provided that ongoing maintenance is guaranteed.
C. Thinning or windowing. When simple trimming will not resolve the unreasonable obstruction, thinning or windowing may be necessary. This action should be supervised by a certified arborist.
D. Crown reduction. Crown reduction may be necessary when thinning and windowing will not resolve the unreasonable obstruction. However, as with thinning and windowing, crown reduction should be supervised by a certified arborist.
E. Topping. Topping as a restoration action should be used with caution. Topping can have deleterious effects on a tree's health, appearance, and cost of maintenance. Topping frequently results in stump growth. Tree removal with replacement plantings may be a preferable alternative
F. Tree removal. Tree removal may be required where it is essential to preserve preexisting views. While normally considered a drastic measure, tree removal can be the preferred solution in certain circumstances.
G. Maintenance. In order to achieve lasting preservation of preexisting views, ongoing tree maintenance requirements are strongly recommended as part of restoration action.
H. Permanence. To help notify subsequent real property owners of their applicability, conditions of restoration action should be memorialized in a recordable document for all affected properties.
(Ord. No. 2006-002 § 1 (part))