(A) It is unlawful for any person to remove, damage, prune, or encroach upon, or cause to be removed, damaged, pruned, or encroached upon any street tree without first having obtained a permit from the Public Works Department. Said permit shall be issued only for work to be done in compliance with the street tree plan and this chapter. The City Council may establish and set from time to time a fee for such permits. All work done pursuant to a permit shall be completed under the supervision of the Public Works Department. Whenever any street tree, whether approved or nonconforming, is removed or needs replacing, it must be replaced with a tree approved for that specific street tree area in accordance with the street tree plan and the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City Manager shall issue to any person doing business as a public utility, subject to the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission and holding a valid franchise, a permit which shall authorize the cutting or removal of trees necessary for the safety and proper maintenance of said utilities service pursuant to the orders, rules and regulations of said California Public Utilities Commission. Such a permit, unless renewed, shall expire at the end of one year after the date of issuance, or it may be revoked for good cause. Even with a valid permit, utilities are prohibited from topping street trees. Directional pruning or other ISA-approved methods are allowed. The city’s pruning guidelines are contained in the city’s street tree pruning policy.
(Ord. 2017-005, passed 4-11-17)