(A) Any person desiring to alter, remove, or relocate any tree or a heritage
tree which is situated on developed land for which a permit is required
under the provisions of this chapter shall apply in writing to the
director to do so. The application shall state the number and identify
the location of each tree and heritage tree sought to be altered,
removed, or relocated, shall contain a statement of the reason(s)
the permit is requested, and shall contain such other pertinent information
as the Director may require. The application may also include documentation
of any type, including written recommendations from a certified arborist
concerning the health, quality and desirability of alternatives to
the tree or trees in question. The necessity for the alteration, removal
or relocation of each tree and heritage tree shall be demonstrated
to the Director by the applicant.
(B) Upon receipt of an application, the Director shall make a determination
as to the acceptability of the requested tree alteration, removal,
or relocation based on the following considerations:
(1) The overall condition of the tree, including any diseases and pests
that may be attacking it, the tree's age with respect to its projected
lifespan, the area the tree would hit if it, or any substantial part
of it, were to fall, its symmetry and aesthetics, its proximity to
existing structures, and any interference it has caused with underground
or overhead utility lines.
(2) The topography of land and the effect the tree alteration, removal,
or relocation may have on possible erosion or soil retention problems
or on increasing the flow or the diversion of surface waters.
(3) The number, species, size, and location of other existing trees in
the area and the effect the requested action will have on shade areas,
air pollution, historic values, scenic beauty, and the general welfare
of the City.
(4) Whether the request is supported by good urban forestry practices
and standards such as, but not limited to, the number of healthy trees
that a given parcel of land will support.
(C) Prior to making a determination on the application, the director
shall inspect the tree(s) sought to be altered, removed or relocated.
The Director may also refer the application to another Department,
Board, Commission or Committee of the City, as he deems appropriate,
and may cause such additional investigation to be made which he deems
necessary in order to make an informed decision on the application.
(D) If the Director approves an application to alter, remove, or relocate
a tree, he shall issue a permit, subject to such conditions as he
deems appropriate, which may include the planting of replacement trees,
or moving the tree to a more suitable location on the site if such
is economically feasible.
(E) A permit granted under the provisions of this section shall be valid
for a period of 60 days from the date of issuance unless a longer
period is stated in the permit. If the work authorized by the permit
is not commenced prior to the expiration date, the permit shall become
null and void. Once the work authorized by a permit is commenced,
it shall be expeditiously pursued to completion.
(F) A permit granted under the provisions of this chapter shall be retained
on the project site and shall be made available upon request prior
to, during, and following the actual tree alteration, removal, or
relocation activity for a period of 30 days.
(Ord. 2858 § 1, 1990; Ord. 3699 § 1, 2005)