A. Tree Species: The tree committee develops and maintains a list of desirable trees for planting along streets in three (3) species size classifications: small (less than 10 feet), medium (10 through 20 feet) and large (over 20 feet).
B. Spacing: The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the three (3) species size classes listed in this section, and no trees may be planted closer together than the following: small trees, thirty feet (30'); medium trees, forty feet (40'); large trees, fifty feet (50'); except for certain trees in special plantings, designed or approved by the city arborist or tree committee.
C. Utilities: No street trees, other than those listed herein as small or medium trees not to exceed the height of utilities, may be planted under or within ten (10) lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within five (5) lateral feet of any public underground water line, sewer line, transmission line or other utility.
D. Distance From Curb And Sidewalk: The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curblines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the three (3) species size classes listed in subsection A of this section, and no trees may be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following: small trees, one foot (1'); medium trees, three feet (3'); large trees, six feet (6'). Distance from a street corner shall be no closer than thirty five feet (35'); distance from a fireplug shall be no closer than ten feet (10').
E. Stump Removal: All stumps of street and park trees shall be removed below the surface of the ground so that the top of the stump shall not project above the surface of the ground.
F. Topping: It shall be unlawful, as a normal practice, for any person, firm, or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. "Topping" is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this chapter at the determination of the city tree committee. Right of way pruning and tree removal will be conducted by the public works department at the public works director and city arborist's discretion with agreement between the public works and parks departments. (Ord. 198, 9-11-2002)