(A) This chapter establishes regulations and standards necessary to ensure the city continues to realize the benefits provided by its community forest. It is not intended to resolve or regulate disputes over private trees on private property that do not affect general public safety.
(B) This chapter is enacted to:
(1) Protect public safety, health and welfare;
(2) Preserve and enhance the city’s environmental, economic and social character with mature trees;
(3) Encourage site and utility planning, building and development practices to prevent indiscriminate removal or destruction of trees and avoid unnecessary disturbance to trees within the city;
(4) Maintain trees in a healthy, non-hazardous condition through application of tree care standards contained in ANSI A300;
(5) Establish and maintain appropriate species diversity and age classes in order to provide a stable and sustainable community forest; and
(6) Establish a process and schedule by which trees are to be planted, pruned and removed.
(Prior Code, § 7-4-1)