(a) The City will provide branch chipping services to residents for disposal of tree limbs from single-family residential properties resulting from residential yard work and that have fallen from severe storm damage. All by-products from a contractor or tree service shall be disposed of by the contractor or tree service. Branch chipping by the City is subject to weather conditions and the availability of City equipment and service crews. Residents may be required to pay a fee for branch chipping pursuant to Section 952.02.
(b) Chipping services are subject to the following:
(1) Branches shall be placed in the tree lawn and shall not obstruct the sidewalk or views for traffic safety purposes;
(2) Branches shall be no larger than three and one half (3 ½) inch in diameter;
(3) Branches shall be of a size that is manageable for one person;
(4) Branches shall be stacked reasonably untangled, with all branches facing in one direction;
(5) Shrubbery with roots, stumps, vines, thorny plants, lumber, posts and other non-tree material shall not be placed in the pile with branches for chipping;
(6) No material generated at a location other than the residence from which it is collected shall be placed on the tree lawn in front of that residence for purposes of branch chipping.
(c) Residents shall notify the Department of Public Service when they have branches to be chipped. The Department of Public Service will advise the resident that branch chipping may be subject to a fee under Section 952.02.
(1) If branches are placed on the tree lawn but the Department of Public Service has not been notified by a resident that the branches are to be chipped, then the Department of Public Service may chip the branches only if chipping is not subject to a fee under Section 952.02.
(2) If branches are placed on the tree lawn, the Department of Public Service has not been notified by a resident that the branches are to be chipped, and chipping the branches would likely result in assessment of a fee under Section 952.02, then the Director of Public Service or his/her designee shall cause written notice to be served upon the owner, lessee, agent or tenant of the property along with an estimated City fee for chipping. The notice shall notify the resident to either: (i) contact the Department of Public Service and affirmatively consent to branch chipping for a fee under Section 952.02; or (ii) immediately remove the branches from the tree lawn. Such notice shall be delivered either personally to the owner of the property or a person of suitable age at the subject property, by regular, first-class mail, or by posting the notice at a conspicuous place upon the subject property. If consent to chipping is not provided and the branches are not removed within five (5) days after service of the notice, then the City may charge a fee for chipping the branches pursuant to Section 952.02(c).
(d) Any materials placed out for collection shall be presumed to belong to and be the responsibility of the owner, tenant or occupant of any dwelling or premises in front of which, or adjacent to which, the materials are placed.
(Ord. 143-2017. Passed 2-13-18.)