In all zoning districts, developers shall plant and maintain shade trees along public streets in compliance with the following:
(a) Species. Trees shall be limited to species characterized as hardy, long-lived shade trees. Suggested species are listed in Schedule 1155.11. The Zoning Administrator or the Planning and Zoning Commission may approve other species.
(b) Location Requirements.
(1) One tree shall be provided for every thirty (30) linear feet of frontage, or fraction thereof, along each road.
(2) Trees are to be planted within three (3) feet of the rights-of-way of the road or roads within and abutting the development or at the discretion of the City, within the right-of-way of such roads.
(3) Each tree at the time of installation shall have a minimum caliper of 2.5 inches and a clear trunk height of at least six (6) feet.
(4) Trees shall be planted an adequate distance from intersections so that at full maturity such planting shall comply with Section 1157.11
, Visibility at Intersections, to ensure the unobstructed visibility of motorists and pedestrians.
(c) Planting Procedures.
(1) The developer shall provide the Zoning Administrator with a state inspection certificate and a certificate for tree species authenticity for each tree within five (5) days of planting.
(2) All nursery tags shall remain on planted trees until removed by the Zoning Administrator.
(d) Maintenance. The developer shall be required to maintain the trees for two (2) years after the trees are planted and to replace any tree that dies within such two year guarantee period.
(1) Upon completion of the street tree planting, the landscape contractor shall contact Zoning Administrator.
(2) The two-year guarantee period shall begin after the approval from the Zoning Administrator.
(3) A final inspection shall be made at the end of the guarantee period.
(4) The developer shall notify the Zoning Administrator within five (5) business days of the end of the guarantee period to schedule the final inspection.
(5) All trees not exhibiting a healthy, vigorous growing condition, as determined by the City’s inspection, shall be replaced at the expense of the developer or builder.
(6) If the City determines that replacement of a tree is required, such replacement shall occur within thirty (30) days of the date the City’s inspection report is submitted to the developer. The two-year guarantee period shall begin anew for each replacement tree.
(7) In order to secure the guarantee, the developer shall deposit an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of providing and installing the street trees as determined by the Zoning Administrator. The deposit shall be in the form of a bond, with the developer as principal and with a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Ohio; a certified check; or an irrevocable letter of credit. The deposit shall be in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. (Ord. 2006-35. Passed 5-25-06.)