§ 70-35. Tree planting and care standards.

(a)

Standards. All planting and maintenance of public trees shall conform to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A-300 "Standards for Tree Care Operations" and shall follow all tree care Best Management Practices (BMPs) published by the International Society of Arboriculture.

(b)

Requirements of franchise utility companies. Franchise utility companies shall provide advance notice to the City of their intended non-emergency tree pruning schedule and location of the impacted area. The maintenance of public trees for utility clearance shall conform to all applicable utility industry standards.

(c)

Tree species list. The Director shall develop and maintain an official list of desirable tree species for planting on public property in two size classes: Ornamental (20 feet or less in height at maturity) and Shade (greater than 20 feet in height at maturity). Only trees from this approved list may be planted without written approval from the Director.

(d)

Planting distances. The Director shall develop and maintain an official set of spacing requirements for the planting of trees on public property. No tree may be planted within the visibility triangle of a street intersection or within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant.

(e)

Planting trees under electric utility lines. Only trees listed as Ornamental trees on the official city tree species list may be planted under or within fifteen (15) lateral feet of any overhead utility wire.

(f)

Protection of public trees during construction. Any person, firm, corporation, or city department performing construction in the area of any public tree must employ appropriate measures to protect the tree, including, but not limited to, placing barriers around the tree to prevent any damage.

(Ord. No. O-2013-015-15, § 1, 12-9-13)