(A) Authority.
(1) Regulation of planting, maintenance and removal. The Tree Conservator, or his or her designated agent, with the City Tree Board, shall have the authority and jurisdiction of regulating the planting, maintenance and removal of trees on streets and other publicly owned property.
(2) Supervision. The Tree Conservator, or his or her designated agent, shall have the authority and it shall be his or her duty to supervise and inspect all work done under a permit issued in accordance with the terms of this chapter.
(3) Affix conditions of permit. The Tree Conservator, or his or her designated agent, shall have the authority to affix reasonable conditions to the permit in accordance with the terms of this chapter.
(4) Meetings. The City Tree Board will meet on a quarterly basis, unless otherwise needed, and will make recommendations to the Tree Conservator regarding tree issues.
(B) Duties.
(1) The Tree Board shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations governing the planting, maintenance, removal, fertilization, pruning and bracing of trees on the streets and other public sites in the municipality, and shall direct, regulate and control the planting, maintenance and removal of all trees growing now or hereafter in any public area ofthe city. The Tree Board shall cause the provisions of this chapter to be enforced.
(2) The Tree Conservator shall have the authority to grant certain exceptions, provided the intent of the chapter is substantially observed.
(C) Interference with the Tree Conservator. No person shall hinder, prevent, delay or interfere with the Tree Conservator, the Tree Board or their agents, while engaged in carrying out the execution or enforcement of this chapter.
(D) Arboricultural specifications and standards of practice; authority. The Tree Board shall have the authority to promulgate the rules and regulations of the arboricultural specifications and standards of practice governing the planting, maintenance, removal, fertilization, pruning and bracing of trees on public property in the municipality. A copy of the International Society of Arboriculture standards for tree care is on file in City Hall. These include a risk assessment standard and a pruning standard.
(E) Policy.
(1) Compliance required. All work on public trees shall comply with this chapter.
(2) Standards. Standards shall be adhered to at all times, but may be amended at any time that experience, new research or laws indicate improved methods, or whenever circumstances make it advisable, with the approval of the City Tree Board.
(3) Policy. The policy of the City Tree Board shall be one of cooperating with the public, property owners, other municipal departments, and appropriate not-for-profit organizations, where deemed practical.
(4) Removal. No trees shall be removed from public places unless they constitute a hazard to life or property, a public nuisance, or because a revision of the planting plan necessitates their removal.
(Ord. 1426, passed 11-16-10; Am. Ord. 1558, passed 1-19-16) Penalty, see § 99.99