Sec. 78-9. - Permit for work on public trees.

(a)

Generally. A permit shall be a written document that authorizes the bearer thereof to perform the proposed work as outlined on such permit. The permit shall be issued only by the tree warden or his/her representative.

(b)

Application; issuance. A permit shall be obtained by filling out an application. Upon approving the application, the tree warden or his/her representative shall issue said permit.

(c)

Work requiring permit. A permit shall be required for planting, spraying, pruning, cutting above ground, removing or otherwise disturbing any tree on any street, park or other public place.

(d)

Standards for issuance; expiration; conditions. The tree warden shall issue any permit provided for herein if the proposed method and workmanship shall be of a satisfactory nature and the project shall be consistent with this chapter. Any permit granted shall contain a definite date of expiration, and the work shall be completed in the time allowed in the permit and in the manner as therein described. Any permit shall be void if its terms are violated.

(e)

Notification of tree warden upon completion of work. The tree warden shall be notified by the bearer of the permit upon satisfactory completion of designated work.

(f)

Tree planting.

(1)

The application required herein shall state the number of trees to be set out or planted on public places; the location, grade, species, cultivar or variety of each tree; the method of planting; and such other information as the tree warden shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination of whether a permit should be issued.

(2)

The tree warden shall have the right to make the final determination as to location, species, cultivar or variety of each tree and the method of planting before issuing said permit.

(g)

Tree maintenance. The application required herein shall state the number and kinds of trees to be sprayed, fertilized, pruned or otherwise preserved; the kind of treatment to be administered; the composition of the spray material to be applied; and such other information as the tree warden shall find reasonably necessary to a fair determination of whether a permit should be issued.

(h)

Removal of trees.

(1)

Wherever it is necessary to remove a tree in connection with the paving of a sidewalk, or the widening of the portion of a street or highway, the city shall replant the tree or replace it. This requirement will be satisfied if an equivalent number of trees of the same size and species as provided in the Arboricultural Specifications and Standards of Practice are planted within one-quarter mile of the original tree location.

(2)

No person shall remove a public tree for the purpose of construction or for any other reason without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the tree warden. The tree warden may require replacement of a removed tree as a condition to the issuance of a permit. Such replacement shall meet the standards of size, species and placement as provided for in a permit issued by the tree warden. The person or property owner shall bear the cost of removal and replacement of all trees removed.

(Code 1971, § 25-10)