(A) General. No protected tree should be pruned in a manner which significantly disfigures the tree without proper cause or in a manner which would reasonably lead to the death of the tree. All pruning shall be conducted in accordance with universally accepted arboricultural standards and the regulations contained in this chapter.
(B) Permit requirements. All franchise utility companies shall be required to maintain at the city a set of pruning specifications (updated annually) to be followed by all pruning contractors working for the company within the city. Prior to beginning any pruning not requested by the owner of the tree, the contractor for a non-franchise entity shall submit to the city an application for a pruning permit for approval. Utility companies may prune trees as necessary to maintain safe and reliable service or to re-establish disrupted electric service without obtaining a permit. Prior notification of any pruning activity shall be given to the city within 72 hours of work commencing.
(C) Allowed pruning. The Landscape Administrator may approve pruning of a protected tree in cases where protected trees must be strategically pruned to allow construction or demolition of a structure. When allowed, all pruning shall be in accordance with § 99.38(C), approved Arboricultural techniques and the recommendations of Appendix F. This section is not intended to require a tree permit for reasonable pruning performed or contracted to be performed by the owner of the tree when unrelated to construction activity.
(D) Required pruning. The owners of all trees adjacent to public right-of-way shall be required to maintain a minimum clearance of 14 feet above the traveled pavement or curb of a public street. Said owners shall also remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The city shall also have the right to prune trees overhanging within public right-of-way which interfere with the proper spread of light along the street from a street light or interfere with visibility of any traffic control device or sign or as necessary to preserve the public safety.
(E) Tree 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. 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 Landscape Administrator.
(Ord. 1220, passed 7-27-98; Am. Ord. OR-1785-10, passed 9-13-10) Penalty, see § 99.99