It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property without prior written approval of the City Tree Board. TOPPING is defined as the severe cutting-back of limb to stubs larger than 3 inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. 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 exempted from this section at the determination of the City Tree Board.
(1974 Code, § 100.29) (Ord. 17-83, passed 7-11-1983; Am. Ord. 19-87, passed 5-4-1987; Am. Ord. 22-92, passed 4-6-1992) Penalty, see § 97.99