(a) Well-maintained street trees are desirable for their numerous beneficial aspects, including moderation of summer heat, reduction of winter wind speeds, improvement of air quality around roadways, and reduction in traffic noise; but such trees must be properly maintained.
(b) Street Trees Over Public Roadways.
(1) To provide for the safe and unimpeded passage of emergency vehicles, any part of a tree overhanging a public roadway shall be trimmed and maintained to a minimum clear height of fourteen (14) feet over the traveled way.
(2) Trimming and maintenance of street trees over public roadways shall be the responsibility of the tree’s owner.
(c) Street Trees Over Sidewalks.
(1) To provide for safe and unimpeded pedestrian travel, any part of a street tree overhanging a sidewalk shall be trimmed and maintained to a minimum clear height of eight (8) feet over the sidewalk surface.
(2) Trimming and maintenance of street trees over sidewalks shall be the responsibility of the individual parcel owner where the sidewalk is located.
(d) Street Trees in the Lateral Strip.
(1) In order to facilitate melting of snow and ice, drying of pavement, and reduction of leaf litter, no trees or shrubs shall be planted within the lateral strip area.
(2) Trees or shrubs planted in the lateral strip prior to adoption of this section may be retained, but shall be properly maintained and all street tree planting needs to adhere to the Master Planting Design
(e) Injuring Vines, Bushes, Trees, or Crops on Land of Another.
(1) No person, without privilege to do so, shall recklessly cut down, destroy, girdle, or otherwise injure a vine, bush, shrub, sapling, tree, or crop standing or growing on the land of another or upon public land.
(ORC 901.51)
(2) Penalty for damaged trees.
i - Tree is less than six (6) inches in diameter must pay replacement cost
ii - One new tree for each three (3) inches in diameter
iii - Only i or ii will be penalty
(f) Permitting and Licensing.
(1) Planting or removal of a street tree requires a permit.
(2) A tree service or commercial company will require a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) permit and shall follow Master Planting Design for what to plant and how to plant.
(3) Tree Service Companies must be registered with the Village (pruning certification is ISA licensing) and (tree removal must have workman's compensation and insurance).
(4) All street tree planting shall adhere to the Master Planting Design.
(Ord. 2023-11. Passed 8-28-23.)