(A) Purpose. The city, recognizing the value of trees in preserving the aesthetic and environmental qualities of the community, wishes to maintain the tree city USA program. This chapter shall constitute the official comprehensive city tree program of the city. It is the purpose of this chapter to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare by providing for the regulation of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees, shrubs and other plants within the city public parks, public right-of-way and other public places where the public has free access.
(B) Intent. It is the intent of the city that the terms of this chapter shall be construed as to promote:
(1) The recognition of the special significance of heritage and distinctive trees, and value the contribution which these trees make to the beauty and quality of life in the city;
(2) The recognition that because of the known benefits of trees, trees on development properties should be preserved so that they may be considered for incorporation into development plans; and
(3) The intent is not to prohibit the removal of trees but to stop the thoughtless destruction of that vegetation, which has a beneficial effect on the value of property and on the city in general.
(Prior Code, § 93.02) (Ord. 1266, passed 4-16-2012; Ord. 1303, passed 9-8-2015)