Chapter 8.04
CITY TREE ORDINANCE
Sections:
8.04.030 City parks committee.
8.04.060 Review by city council.
8.04.010 Purpose.
It is the purpose of this chapter to assist in developing an interest within the community on the merits of becoming a tree city and adopting an urban forestry and parks plan. It is the intent of the council to seek to enrich the community lifestyle, improve the local environment, develop and maintain a plan for the city parks and properties, as well as educate the community in appropriate plantings and maintenance within the area by example and leadership, as provided for in the urban forestry and parks plan. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)
8.04.020 Definitions.
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words shall have the same meanings indicated unless the content clearly requires otherwise:
A. “Street trees” means trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation on land lying within the city right-of-way between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues or ways within the city.
B. “Park trees” means shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation in public parks having individual names, and all areas owned by the city, or to which the public has free access as a park. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)
8.04.030 City parks committee.
The city parks committee, comprised of two city council members appointed by the city mayor, will study, investigate, develop and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas. Such plan will be presented to the city council for their acceptance and approval. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)
8.04.040 Public tree care.
When deemed necessary, the city shall have the right to plant, prune, remove, cut above ground, or otherwise disturb any tree on any street right-of-way or municipal owned property after first notifying the property owner of their intent. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)
8.04.050 Obstruction.
It shall be the duty of any person or persons owning or occupying real property bordering on any street upon which property there may be trees, to prune such trees in such a manner that they will not obstruct the street, lights, the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks, vision of traffic signs or views of any street or alley intersection. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)
8.04.060 Review by city council.
The city council shall consider input from the citizens as well as the parks and tree committee(s) and make the final decision. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)
8.04.070 Violation.
Each and every violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor and shall be enforced and controlled pursuant to AMC 1.12.010 and 1.12.020. (Ord. 01-591 § 1, 2001)