A. 
In order to maintain and enhance the architectural character, streetscapes and scenic views along the Town's roadways of which trees are an integral part, the Town hereby reiterates its established policy with regard to wires and cables along roadways: Since 1926 the Town has established policies for the placement of utility wires and cables underground. Underground utilities were first articulated in "The Preliminary Survey for a Town Plan for the Town of Barnstable," dated October 1926, and more recently in the "Local Comprehensive Plan" adopted by the Town Council October 1997 and approved by the Cape Cod Commission 1998. Policy 7.3.3 states that all new utilities shall be placed underground, and that all existing overhead utilities shall be phased underground.
B. 
All utilities should submit a program to the Town for phasing of utilities underground in order to prevent continued damage to the Town's trees by trimming, pruning and removals, and to prevent the constant occurrence of power outages.
C. 
Until such time as utilities are placed underground, bare wires should be replaced with aerial spacer cable systems or covered wires, in order to limit the amount of tree trimming and clearance, and maintain the viability of the Town's trees. Such systems will also provide the highest reliability of electrical service of any aboveground system available.
D. 
The utilities should submit a program to the Town for replacement of bare wires with covered conductors, and/or aerial spacer systems. The utilities and the Town should establish priorities for this program. In priority order, the Old Kings Highway (Rt. 6A), scenic roads, the Town center and village commercial centers are the Town's first priorities for such installation.
It is the expressed policy of the Town of Barnstable to enhance the appearance of the Town by beautifying roadways and public property with shade trees and, in so doing, improve property values and the economy. The Town has invested substantial resources to plant and maintain trees, and these trees belong to the citizens of the Town. The Town also recognizes the need for a highly reliable network of public utilities to supply businesses, homes, hospitals, and other services, in an area subject to frequent storms and high winds.
Unless the context specifically indicates otherwise, the meaning of terms used in this chapter shall be as follows:
TOWN TREES
Trees, shrubs and bushes within the Town's jurisdiction.
TREE TOPPING
The severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree.
VISION CLEARANCE
That area included within the street lines at points which are 20 feet distant from their point of intersection measured along said street lines which will materially obstruct the view of a driver of a vehicle approaching a street intersection.