(a) Tree Species. The City Tree Commission shall develop and maintain a list of desirable trees for public tree planting in three size classes: small, medium and large. This list will be maintained current and available by the Public Service Department.
(b) Spacing. The spacing of public trees will be in accordance with the three species size classes list. No trees may be planted closer together than the following:
(1) Small trees - thirty feet;
(2) Medium trees - forty feet;
(3) Large trees - fifty feet, except in special planting designed and/or approved by a landscape architect.
(c) Utilities. No public trees other than those listed as small trees maybe planted under or within ten lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within five lateral feet of any 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 species size classes list, and no trees may be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following:
(1) Small trees - two feet;
(2) Medium trees - three feet; and
(3) Large trees - four feet.
(e) Distance from Street Corners and Fireplugs. No public tree shall be planted within the clear sight triangle nor closer than ten feet of any fireplug.
(f) Topping. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or City department to top any public 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 exempt from this chapter at the written determination of the Public Service Director/City Forester.
(g) Pruning, Corner Clearance. Every owner of any tree overhanging any street right of way within the City shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet vertically above the surface of the sidewalk. Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decaying limbs that constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The City shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with visibility of any traffic control device or sign, if the property owner fails to adequately restore visibility within seven days after written notice is given to do so.
(Ord. 1-1998. Passed 1-12-98.)