(a) The owner of any tree or shrub overhanging any street within the City shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the function of any street lamp, obstruct the view of any street intersection, or interfere with the visibility of any traffic control device or sign. There shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk.
(b) Every person who has a tree or part of a tree which is dead or diseased and which constitutes a hazard to persons, property or other trees shall remove the tree or offending part.
(c) The Administrator shall give notice by certified mail to any owner who fails to remove a tree or part thereof, directing them to remove the tree or part thereof within fifteen days after receipt.
(d) When a person to whom an order is directed fails to comply within the specified time, the City shall remove such trees or parts thereof and the exact cost shall be assessed to the owner as provided by law in the case of special assessment.
(e) The person to whom an order is directed may appeal the order of the Administrator or his/her designee, by notifying the Administrator of such an appeal within the fifteen days after receipt of written notice. The Administrator or his/her designee will delay enforcement of the order until such time that the appeal may be decided by the Trees and Decorations Committee. The Trees and Decorations Committee shall meet and have a hearing on the appeal within thirty days of the filing of the appeal. The Committee's decision may be appealed to the City Council within ten days of the rendering of their decision by filing a written notice thereof with the Administrator. Council shall hear the appeal within thirty days after filing the notice of appeal. A majority decision of Council will be sufficient to determine the appeal.
(f) The Administrator may remove or cause or order to be removed any tree or part thereof which by reason of its nature is injurious to existing sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines or their public improvements.
(Ord. 2021-047. Passed 10-11-21.)