[HISTORY: Adopted by The Mayor and Council
of New Castle 3-10-2009 by Ord. No. 462; amended in its entirety 2-10-2015 by Ord. No.
500. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Street
Tree Ordinance of the City of New Castle."
A.
The purpose of this chapter is to define and establish responsibility
for the management of the trees located within City rights-of-way
and on City-owned property.
B.
The intent of this chapter is to:
(1)
Protect existing individual trees and the City tree canopy on City
property;
(2)
Provide replacement trees when trees must be removed from City property;
(3)
Protect the natural environment of the City;
(4)
Recognize that large trees make an aesthetic contribution to the
community;
(5)
Reinforce the historic nature of the downtown area;
(6)
Promote the livability of all areas in the City;
(7)
Provide trees in the public rights-of-way;
(8)
Address privately owned trees that are diseased or pose a public
danger;
(9)
Provide conditions for healthy trees.
C.
The City of New Castle believes that street trees serve a useful
purpose in an urban setting and are a valuable addition to the City
of New Castle, its appearance and to the quality of life of its residents.
It is the purpose of this chapter to promote and protect the public
health, safety and general welfare by providing for the regulation
of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees both on public rights-of-way
and public lands within the City. This chapter shall address trees
on private property where it is believed the trees will pose a threat
to persons or property. In general, it is the intent of this chapter
to protect and increase property values, to conserve and enhance the
City's physical and aesthetic environment and to generally protect
and enhance the quality of life and welfare of the City residents.
For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions
shall apply:
The portion of a tree where there is a rapid increase in
diameter at the confluence of the trunk and root crown.
The Board of Adjustment, established under § 230-53 of the Code for the City of New Castle.
The area of a parcel upon which, under applicable zoning
regulations, a structure may be built without the requirement of a
variance.
The two-dimensional configuration of an existing building's
perimeter boundaries as measured on a horizontal plane at ground level.
The diameter of any tree trunk measured at six inches above
ground level.
An individual trained in the art and science of planting,
caring for, and maintaining individual trees. This individual shall
possess a current International Society of Arboriculture arborist
certification.
The City of New Castle, a municipal corporation of the State
of Delaware, acting through the City Administrator.
The Tree Advisory Commission of New Castle created under Chapter 74 of the City Code.
A professional who would advise the City on safety, health
and preservation of trees. The role of the consulting arborist is
to bring a comprehensive, objective viewpoint to the diagnosis, appraisal,
and evaluation of arboricultural issues. This individual shall possess
a current American Society of Consulting Arborists certification.
Any improvement upon any property in the City which requires
a subdivision, variance, building permit, demolition permit, or other
City approval, or which involves excavation, landscaping or construction
within the dripline area of a protected tree.
The area within X distance from the perimeter of the trunk
of the tree at 4 1/2 feet (54 inches) above natural grade, where
X equals a distance 10 times the diameter of the trunk as measured
4 1/2 feet (54 inches) above natural grade.
The removal of more than 1/4 of the functioning leaf and
stem area of a tree in any twelve-month period, or removal of foliage
so as to cause the structural unbalancing of a tree. For example,
lion tailing and topping are prohibited, as those practices constitute
excessive pruning.
An imminent hazard or threat to the safety of persons or
property.
Any public or private individual, group, company, firm, corporation,
partnership, association, society, or any other combination of human
beings, whether legal or natural.
Any condition that may endanger the security or usefulness
of any public street, sewer, sidewalk or other public amenity, or
the full and safe operation of public utility wires.
The actual removal or causing the effective removal of a
tree through damaging, poisoning or other direct or indirect actions
resulting in the death of a tree.
Refers to any of the following:
Complete removal, such as cutting to the ground or extraction,
of a tree;
Taking any action leading to the death of a tree or permanent
damage to its health, including, but not limited to, excessive pruning,
cutting, girdling, poisoning, overwatering, unauthorized relocation
or transportation of a tree, or trenching, excavating, altering the
grade or paving within the dripline area of a tree.
Any tree on property over which the City of New Castle now
or hereafter have jurisdiction. A street tree shall include those
portions of defined vegetation which grow above grade, as well as
root systems growing below grade.
A woody perennial plant having a single usually elongate
main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part.
The Commission created under Chapter 74 of the City Code.
A permit required by the City for tree maintenance, pruning,
removal or planting of street trees requested and performed by private
citizens or entities.
A report prepared by an arborist and certified by the International
Society of Arboriculture or another nationally recognized tree research,
care and preservation organization.
Guidelines developed by the City to implement this chapter
and provide proper tree care.
All trees planted on public lands in the City are the property
of the City and shall be designated as "street trees." The City shall
have exclusive jurisdiction and supervision over all street trees.
The City shall have the authority to plant, trim, prune, spray, treat,
preserve and remove trees on public lands to ensure public safety,
to eliminate public nuisance trees, to preserve the symmetry and beauty
of such public places, and to prevent endangerment of public and private
property.
A.
The City shall determine a selection of sites and species of trees
that are appropriate for specific areas.
B.
Where the sidewalk grass strip (between the sidewalk and the street)
is less than three feet in width, steps should be taken to plant on
the side of the sidewalk farthest from the street or on private property,
or larger planting areas may be developed in the sidewalk area; however,
at a minimum, no tree shall be planted in an area of less than 16
square feet of pervious surface.
C.
The City shall specify the distance trees shall be planted from street
intersections.
D.
The City shall abide by pertinent codes when determining the placement
of trees.
Utility companies are required to notify the City Administrator in writing a minimum of three business days prior to pruning, treating or removing street trees for line clearance by reporting the nature of the pruning, treating or removal work, and where and how long they will be engaged in such work. Except in emergency situations where persons or property are in imminent danger, the City shall have the right to notify the utility of its intent to have the street tree(s) affected by the pruning, treating or removal inspected by a consulting arborist to provide instruction on how the street tree(s) shall be pruned, treated or removed by the utility in the manner least damaging to any affected street tree(s). The utility shall abide by the instructions of the consulting arborist to the maximum extent possible in conducting the pruning, treating or removal of the affected street tree(s) so as to best ensure their health and vitality, any those of any other affected street trees. Nothing herein shall be deemed to deprive the utility company of the right to fully exercise its lawful and enforceable easement rights. Any damage to or removal of street trees resulting from the violation of this section shall be a violation of this chapter subject to fine and enforcement action under § 210-17 of this chapter. This section shall not apply to the Municipal Services Corporation.
A.
Building permits, grading permits, site plans or any other form of
modification or action that would affect a street tree shall be reviewed
by the City for compliance with this chapter. If the proposed activity
requires action impacting upon a street tree either by the City or
the applicant, the permit shall be referred to the City Administrator
for action.
(1)
Where a planned action includes the development of a new public or
private street, the construction plans shall include the location,
size and species of all street trees. The City shall install the street
trees on any public street and provide the first three years of maintenance
at the expense of the developer or owner of a property to be developed.
The City, at its sole discretion, may permit the developer to install
the street trees as part of the project construction. The developer
shall provide a bond or other approved security to cover the costs
of installation, replacement and maintenance of the street trees for
three years from the date of installation.
(2)
No street tree shall be planted, pruned or removed during any construction
activity without the approval of the City.
(3)
The applicant will be responsible for posting a bond in the amount
of 100% of the value of the affected tree or trees as determined by
the City or a consulting arborist hired by the City to pay for any
damage to street trees which may occur during construction.
B.
Any person who proposes to do work within the dripline area, or access
work through the dripline area, of a street tree shall install a protective
barrier. The protective barrier shall be placed around the street
tree prior to permitted activities and shall remain in place until
all construction activity is terminated. No equipment, chemicals,
soil deposits or construction materials shall be placed within the
protective barriers.
C.
Any person who proposes to do work within the dripline area, or access
work areas through the dripline area, of a street tree shall obtain
and provide to the City a security and performance bond in the amount
of 100% of the value of the tree or trees as determined by the City
or a consulting arborist hired by the City. The security and performance
guarantee shall be issued by an insurance company, bank or other entity
approved by the City and shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance
of all work in close proximity to the tree or trees involved and shall
specify that if the City determines that the person responsible for
the work has failed to faithfully perform or is in default under any
of their obligations as to such trees, the obligor shall make good
and reimburse the City such funds as may be necessary to pay damages
incurred by the City.
A.
Any application for development, or for a building or demolition
permit, shall be accompanied by a statement by the property owner
or authorized agent which discloses whether any street trees exist
within 30 feet of the property which is the subject of the application,
and describes each such tree, its species, size, dripline area, and
location. This requirement shall be met by including the information
on plans submitted in connection with the application.
B.
In addition, the location of all other trees on the site and in the
adjacent public right-of-way which are within 30 feet of the area
proposed for development, and trees located on adjacent property with
canopies overhanging the project site, shall be shown on the plans
and identified by species and size.
C.
The City may require submittal of such other information as may be
necessary to further the purposes of this chapter, including, but
not limited to, photographs.
D.
Disclosure of information pursuant to this section shall not be required
when the development for which the approval or permit is sought does
not involve any change in building footprint nor any grading or paving.
E.
Knowingly or negligently providing false or misleading information
in response to this disclosure requirement shall constitute a violation
of this chapter.
It shall be the responsibility of every property owner or occupant
to maintain the trees on their property in a safe and healthy manner
and to keep trees properly trimmed and pruned so as to avoid hazards
to persons, property and other vegetation.
A.
The City and its designated agents shall have the right, from time
to time, to enter upon private property in order to inspect the trees
and shrubs located upon such private property. The City shall seek
the property owner's permission to conduct such an inspection,
but in no event shall any entry upon private property by the City
or its agents or contractors for purposes authorized by this chapter
be deemed a trespass. Should a condition of extreme danger be observed
by the City, and should the City Administrator make a finding that
any tree or part thereof constitutes an immediate danger to persons,
property or other vegetation, the City shall direct the property owner
to remove the tree, or the portion thereof constituting a danger,
forthwith.
B.
The method of notification to the property owner shall be in one
or more of the following ways:
(1)
By personal delivery of the order to the owner or owners.
(2)
By delivering the order to an adult residing on the premises.
(3)
By mailing the order by registered or certified mail to the last
known address of the owner on the premises.
(4)
By publishing the order in a local newspaper for three consecutive
days.
C.
The order shall set forth the time limit for compliance, which shall
depend upon the degree of danger created by the tree, but shall in
no case be longer than 30 days. In cases of extreme danger, the City
shall have the authority to require immediate compliance.
D.
If, at the end of the time set forth in the order, the tree has not
been removed, the City shall have the tree, or the portion thereof
constituting a danger, removed. The costs of this service, including
labor, equipment and materials, shall be assessed to the property
owner. If the costs of remedying the condition are not paid within
30 days after receipt of a statement from the City, the amount shall
become a lien upon the property to be included in the tax bill rendered
to the property owners and shall be collected in the same manner as
other taxes against such property.
A.
When a tree, regardless of its location, has partially failed, or
it is apparent it is about to fail, and persons or property are threatened,
the tree may be removed without City review or approval. The City
does not require a consulting arborist's report before the removal
of a tree in this instance.
B.
When a street tree is removed as a hazardous tree, the hazard must
be substantiated after the fact by the property owner and certified
arborist with photographs, abatement information, insurance claim
or other relevant information. This information shall be submitted
to the City within five days after removal.
C.
Any hazardous tree removed from public lands may be replaced at the
discretion of the City.
Because diseases of trees on private property can be spread
to street trees, it shall be the responsibility of any person, for
any tree or other vegetation on their property, to treat or remove
any tree or vegetation so diseased or insect infested as to constitute
a hazard to persons, property or other vegetation, if directed by
the City.
A.
Upon determining that any tree upon private property is diseased
or infested with insects, the City shall notify the property owner,
in writing, describing the condition, stating the actions necessary
for correction and setting forth a reasonable time in which the action
must be taken.
B.
In the event the property owner fails to take the required corrective
action, the City is authorized, in the public interest, to enter the
property to spray, trim, prune, treat or remove the diseased tree
or any part thereof. The cost of this service, including labor, equipment
and materials, shall be assessed to the property owner and shall constitute
a lien upon the relevant property. No such entry on to private property
by the City, its employees, agents and contractors shall be deemed
a trespass.
C.
If, after utilizing all techniques, methods and procedures which could reasonably be expected to save a tree, said tree is deemed to be dead, dying, in a dangerous condition, unsafe or likely to cause damage, the tree shall be declared an immediate danger and abated as set forth in § 210-9A of this chapter.
D.
The City shall cause to be made periodic inspections for Dutch elm
disease, shall take samples, and require treatment as may be necessary
to control the spread of such disease. Infected tree wood and bark
shall not be stored for fuel or similar future use; and shall be transported
to a licensed landfill for appropriate and lawful disposal. Elm trees
found to be infected with Dutch elm disease and determined to be untreatable
shall be abated as set forth in this section.
E.
Public nuisance trees. Any tree or shrub growing on public or private
property, which tree or shrub is endangering, or which in any way
may endanger, the security or usefulness of any public street, sewer,
or sidewalk or the full and safe operation of public utility wires,
is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and may be removed at the
discretion of the City.
F.
Tree permit.
(1)
The City is responsible for the maintenance of the street trees on
City-owned property, rights-of-ways, medians, parks, and City-owned
easements. The City will not maintain trees that are on privately
owned property except as provided in this chapter. The City will maintain
street trees, in order to remove dangerous debris and tree material
for public safety and welfare.
(2)
With the advance written approval of the City, property owners abutting
street trees on City-owned easements, parks, medians, and rights-of-ways
may, at the property owner's expense, have trees trimmed by a
certified arborist or other qualified and insured contractor approved
and licensed by the City, or under the supervision of a Tree Commission
Member or City employee.
(3)
A tree permit is required for the planting, removal or pruning of branches of street trees. Root pruning of street trees and any disturbance or compaction within the dripline area requires a tree permit. A resident must obtain a tree permit to ensure that proper care is given to street trees. Street tree work completed without a permit shall be a violation of this chapter subject to fines and enforcement actions under § 210-17 of this chapter.
G.
Private parties, whether acting pursuant to a tree permit or not,
are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any City curbing
or sidewalks damaged as a result of the pruning or removal of any
tree or tree root. If a private party fails to repair or replace a
damaged curb or sidewalk, the City may do so after 60 days' written
notice. If the cost of repairing or replacing the affected curbing
or sidewalk is not paid within 60 days after receipt of a statement
from the City, the amount shall become a lien upon any real estate
owned by the private party located in the City and shall be included
in the tax bill rendered to such property owner and shall be collected
in the same manner as other taxes against such property.
A.
No person shall, without a valid tree permit, remove, destroy, break,
cut or deface any street tree.
B.
No person shall directly or indirectly permit any toxic chemical
or any toxic substance to seep or drain or be emptied on or about
any street tree.
C.
No person shall directly or indirectly place stone, cement or other
impervious materials about any street tree that will impede the free
entrance of water or air to the roots of such trees without leaving
an open and pervious space of ground about the trunk of such tree
of not less than 16 square feet.
D.
No person shall remove, damage, misuse or attach any foreign object
to any guard or device placed or intended to protect any street tree.
E.
No person shall attach or place any rope, wire, sign, handbill or
any other thing on any street tree.
F.
No person shall plant any tree in the public right-of-way unless
the City grants a tree permit for such installation. The City may
prepare a list of tree species recommended as street trees.
G.
In the case of erection, demolition or repair of any building or
structure, the owner thereof shall place or cause to be placed such
guards around all nearby street trees to prevent injury to them.
H.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for anyone to remove or cause
to be removed a street tree, except as shall be permitted in this
section:
(1)
In the absence of conflicting development, street trees shall not
be removed unless it is determined by the City, or on the basis of
a tree report prepared by a consulting arborist, that the tree should
be removed because it is dead, is hazardous, is a public nuisance,
is a detriment to or is crowding an adjacent protected tree.
(2)
Street trees shall not be removed unless the trunk or basal flare
of the protected tree is touching or within the building footprint
of a new structure, or the City has determined, or on the basis of
a tree report prepared by a consulting arborist with other relevant
information, that the tree should be removed because it is dead, is
hazardous, is a detriment to or is crowding an adjacent protected
tree.
(3)
If no building footprint exists for new structures, street trees
shall not be removed unless the City has determined, or on the basis
of a tree report prepared by a consulting arborist with other relevant
information, that the tree should be removed because it is dead, is
hazardous, is a detriment to or is crowding an adjacent protected
tree.
(4)
If removal is allowed because the tree trunk or basal flare is located
in the building footprint or because the City has determined that
the tree is so close to the building area that construction would
result in the death of the tree, the tree removed shall be replaced
in accordance with the Urban Tree Guidelines.
(5)
In all circumstances in which the City has allowed for the removal
of street trees, such trees shall be replaced at the discretion of
the City.
I.
Except in case of immediate necessity for the protection of life
or property, willful injury or disfigurement of any street tree shall
be a violation of this chapter.
J.
No person shall:
(1)
Attach any sign, notice or other object to any street tree or fasten
any wires, cables, nails, spikes or screws to any street tree in a
manner that could prove harmful to the tree, except as necessary in
conjunction with activities in the public interest.
(2)
Pour any material on any street tree or on nearby ground which could
be harmful to the tree.
(3)
Cause or encourage any unnecessary fire or burning near or around
any street tree.
(4)
Construct a concrete, asphalt, brick or gravel sidewalk or otherwise
fill up the ground around any street tree so as to cut off air, light
or water from the roots.
(5)
Pile building material or equipment around any street tree so as
to cause injury thereto.
(6)
Discharge or pour salt, salt water, oil or other liquids or materials
at any place or in any manner that causes injury to any street tree.
(7)
Without first obtaining a tree permit, place or maintain any stone,
cement or other substance which impedes the natural passage of water
and air to the roots of any street tree.
K.
Protective barriers shall be placed around street trees, prior to
land preparation or construction activities, and shall remain in place
until all construction activity is terminated. No equipment, chemicals,
soil deposits or construction materials shall be placed within the
protective barriers.
Nothing in this chapter limits or modifies the existing authority of the City under Chapter 213 (Subdivision of Land) and Chapter 230 (Zoning) to require trees and other plants not covered by this chapter to be identified, retained, protected and/or planted as conditions of the approval of development. In the event of conflict between provisions of this chapter and conditions of any permit or other approval granted pursuant to Chapter 213 or Chapter 230, the more protective requirements shall prevail.
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to impose any liability
upon the City or upon any of its officers, employees or Commission
members. The City and its officers, employees and Commission members
shall be immune from suit for damages as a result of any lawful action
taken pursuant to the terms of this chapter. Nothing in this chapter
shall relieve the owner or occupant of any private property from the
duty to keep trees upon private property in a safe condition.
The City Council may issue and amend guidelines to assist in
the implementation of this chapter, which shall be known as the "Urban
Tree Guidelines." Copies of the Urban Tree Guidelines will be made
readily available to the public.
A.
The City, acting through the City Administrator, shall have the following
powers and duties with regards to this chapter:
(1)
Approval of planting, maintenance and removal of all street trees.
(2)
Approval of the list of recommended street trees.
(3)
Development of guidelines for the planting, maintenance, protection
and replacement of street trees.
(4)
Approval of pruning of street trees by utility companies.
(5)
The granting, with or without conditions, of tree permits.
(6)
Such other powers as may be necessary to implement the provisions
of this chapter.
B.
The City shall have the following powers and duties with regard to
this chapter:
(1)
To review building permit applications based upon the requirements
of this chapter and shall make a recommendation to the Building Official
if a permit meets the criteria to be approved and issued;
(2)
To recommend that the Building Official issue a temporary stop-work
order to halt activities in violation of this chapter;
(3)
To initiate legal proceedings in the name of the City, after appropriate
consultation with the City Solicitor, in order to enforce the provisions
of this chapter;
(4)
To advise the City on the compliance of any subdivision, site plan
or building permit with the provisions of this chapter;
(5)
To inspect trees on public and private property as provided in this
chapter.
C.
It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder, prevent, delay or
interfere with the City while engaged in the lawful execution or enforcement
of this chapter.
A.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any property owner, or
agent of the owner, to fail to comply with any development approval
condition concerning preservation, protection and maintenance of any
street tree. The City shall be responsible for the enforcement of
this chapter.
B.
In addition to all other remedies set forth in this Code or otherwise
provided by law, the following remedies shall be available to the
City for violation of this chapter:
(1)
Stop work; temporary moratorium.
(a)
If a violation occurs during development, the City may issue
a stop-work order, suspending and prohibiting further activity on
the property pursuant to the grading, demolition and/or building permit(s)
(including construction, inspection and issuance of certificates of
occupancy) until a mitigation plan has been filed with and approved
by the City, agreed to, in writing, by the property owner(s), and
either implemented or guaranteed by the posting of adequate security.
The mitigation plan shall include measures for protection of any remaining
trees on public property and shall provide for replacement of each
tree removed on public property at locations approved by the City.
(b)
If a violation occurs in the absence of development, or while
an application for a building permit approval is pending, the City
may issue a temporary moratorium on development of the subject property,
not to exceed 18 months from the date the violation occurred. The
purpose of the moratorium is to provide the City an opportunity to
study and determine appropriate mitigation measures for the tree removal,
and to ensure that measures are incorporated into any future development
approvals for the property. Mitigation measures as determined by the
City shall be imposed as a condition of any subsequent permits for
development on the subject property.
(c)
The City, by and with the assistance of the City Solicitor,
may initiate a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction in
order to enforce the provisions of this chapter, including, but not
limited to, injunctive proceedings in a court of equity.
(2)
Civil penalties.
(a)
As part of any civil action brought by the City, a court may
assess against any person who commits, allows or maintains a violation
of any provision of this chapter a civil penalty in an amount not
to exceed $500 per violation.
(b)
Where a violation has resulted in removal of a tree, the civil
penalty shall be in an amount not to exceed $500 per tree unlawfully
removed or the replacement value of each such tree, whichever amount
is higher. Such amount shall be payable to the City. Replacement value,
for the purposes of this section, shall be determined by a consulting
arborist selected by the City utilizing the most recent edition of
the Guide for Plant Appraisal, published by the Council of Tree and
Landscape Appraisers, and shall include the cost incurred by the City
for the retention of the consulting arborist.
(c)
Injunctive relief. A civil action may be commenced to abate,
enjoin or otherwise compel the cessation of such violation.
(d)
Costs. In any civil action brought pursuant to this chapter
in which the City prevails, the court shall award to the City all
costs of investigation and preparation for trial, the costs of trial,
reasonable expenses, including expert witness fees, overhead and administrative
costs incurred in prosecuting the action, and reasonable attorneys'
fees.
(3)
Notwithstanding the fines provided hereinabove, any person who damages
a street tree in violation of this chapter by any activity whatsoever
shall be responsible for paying the repair cost or, if the tree dies,
the replacement cost up to the full value of each, as well as all
costs related to replanting.
A.
Any person seeking the City's approval to plant, maintain or
remove a street tree pursuant to this chapter and who is aggrieved
by a decision of the City may appeal such decision to the Board of
Adjustment by filing a written appeal with the office of the Board
of Adjustment within 30 days of the date of such decision.
B.
Any person adversely affected by a decision in the enforcement or
interpretation of any terms or provisions of this chapter may appeal
such decision to the Board of Adjustment by filing a written appeal
with the office of the Board of Adjustment within 30 days of the date
of such decision.
Should any part or provision of this chapter be declared by
a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, the same shall not
affect the validity of the chapter as a whole, or any part thereof,
other than the part declared to be invalid.
