A. Hazardous Conditions: It shall be the duty of the owner of any property within the city limits to maintain trees on the property in such a condition as to not constitute a hazard. A "hazard tree" is a tree with structural defects likely to cause failure of all or part of the tree. To determine whether a tree is a hazard due to a structural defect, city officials will evaluate the tree using the following criteria:
1. Dead Tree Or Branches: Dead tree or branches, including broken branches or tree tops;
2. Cracks: Deep split or splits through the bark, extending into the wood of the tree;
3. Weak Branch Unions: Places where branches are not strongly attached to the tree;
4. Decay: Wood that is soft or crumbly, or a cavity where wood is missing or evidence of fungal activity such as mushrooms;
5. Cankers: A localized area on the trunk or branch of a tree where the bark is sunken or missing;
6. Root Problems: Root problems, including roots that have been severed or paved over;
7. Poor Tree Architecture: Poor tree architecture consisting of a growth pattern that indicates weakness or structural imbalance;
8. Other Conditions: Any other condition not specifically enumerated above deemed to be a hazard by city officials.
B. Completion Of Maintenance: The owner of the property upon which a tree with a structural defect or defects is located, shall, upon written notice from the city, effectuate such maintenance as is required to correct the defect or defects within fifteen (15) days. The code enforcement department is authorized to grant an extension for good cause shown.
C. Violation: The failure to make or commence maintenance within fifteen (15) days of the notice, unless an extension has been granted, shall be a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 1032, 10-9-2000)