Other than the pruning of branches of less than two inches in diameter, it shall be unlawful for any person to trim, remove or plant, injure or destroy any street or park tree within the city without first applying for and obtaining a written permit from the City Forester, or if requested while the City Forester is out of town by any member of the Tree Board. Prior to issuance of any such permit, the said Street Department will determine whether or not the proposed trimming, removing, planting or destruction is within the regulations and guidelines established by this chapter. Any person may appeal from any ruling of the City Street Department to the Board of Public Works and Safety which may grant a variance from the strict provisions of this chapter, in case of hardship or in cases where the granting of a variance will not substantially conflict with the purpose and intent of this chapter. The Department of Parks of the city will be exempt from the provisions of this section and may trim, remove, plant and manage any trees and other vegetation within the parks under its jurisdiction without the necessity of approval or issuance of a permit by the city or Street Department.
(Prior Code, § 97.15) (Amended 1-6-2009)