(A) Any public utilities serving the city with overhead services shall have the right to remove or trim city trees without the prior approval of the city only when an emergency exists and when obtaining the prior approval of the city is not practical. All public utilities with overhead services shall gain approval for all non-emergency tree trimming activities with the city staff (with the advice of the Tree Board) that are reasonably required for the purpose of providing the appropriate utility service, or to avoid danger to the public or overhead utility personnel or equipment pursuant to the requirements contained in the franchise agreements as authorized by the City Council. Any other person(s) or firm except the public utility with overhead lines having line clearing operations (tree trimming) done by them, or for them by any person(s) or firm, shall first obtain written approval from the city.
(B) All tree trimming activities shall be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of The National Arborist Association Pruning Standards.
(C) Any public utilities serving the city with underground services shall have the right to remove city trees without the prior approval of the city only when an emergency exists and when obtaining the prior approval of the city is not practical. All public utilities with underground services shall gain approval for all non-emergency digging activities and procedures with the city staff (with the advice of the Tree Board). These activities shall be limited to those reasonably required for the purpose of providing the appropriate utility service, or to avoid danger to the public or underground utility equipment pursuant to the requirements contained in the franchise agreements as authorized by the City Council. Any other person(s) or firm except the public utility with underground lines having digging operations done by them, or for them by any person(s) or firm, shall first obtain written approval from the city.
(Ord. 1996-01-01, passed 2-12-96)