For the purpose of this Chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning specifically subscribed to them by this Section:
"City tree"
means any woody plant which will obtain a height of 15 feet or greater at maturity, planted by the City on City property or right-of-way.
"Maintain" or "maintenance"
means comprehensive tree care including, but not limited to: trimming, watering, fertilizing, mulching, ground preparation, and weed abatement.
"Planting"
means the installation or replacement of trees.
"Right-of-way"
means an area acquired or reserved for street sewerage, drainage construction, utility replacement, aesthetics or right-of-way purposes.
(Prior code § 3101)
The Parks and Urban Forestry Manager shall have the authority and duty to enforce the provisions of this Chapter. He or she shall have the authority to grant permits and to sign complaints and to issue citations for violation of any provision of this Chapter. He or she shall develop, implement, and update City tree planting and maintenance standards to be adopted by resolution of the City Council.
(Prior code § 3102)
No person shall plant, remove, transplant, injure, trim, top, cut, spray, root prune, stake, guy rod, cable, or damage any City tree without first securing a written permit from the Parks and Urban Forestry Manager. Any person who has been denied a permit under this Chapter, or who is dissatisfied with the condition placed thereon by the Parks and Urban Forestry Manager, may appeal the City Council, in accordance with the provisions of Section 12.32.100 of the Lompoc Municipal Code.
(Prior code § 3103)
The City shall maintain all City trees. Tree maintenance will not relieve property owners of their responsibility to alleviate hazardous conditions as required by this Chapter.
(Prior code § 3104)
A. 
Where required as a development condition for subdivisions, new development and redevelopment, trees planted on private property shall be maintained by the property owner. Relocation, removal, or replacement of required trees shall not be allowed without a written permit from the Community Services Director or designated agent. Unauthorized removal or failure to maintain these trees is subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.092 in addition to any other civil or criminal remedies available to the City necessary to enforce the conditions of approval.
B. 
The Parks and Urban Forestry Manager may establish development conditions and/or guidelines relating to and necessary for the provision and maintenance of trees on private property.
(Prior code § 3105)
A. 
No person shall locate any material detrimental to City trees within the area of the tree and its roots.
B. 
No person shall penetrate or remove tree barriers when they are imposed as a condition of development.
(Prior code § 3106)
When roots of a tree planted on private property damage City Curbs, gutters, or sidewalks (including drive-way ramps), the property owner shall be responsible for appropriate corrective measures, including repair of the damaged City property. Such correction measures may be those determined by the Parks and Urban Forestry Manager to be least damaging to the tree.
(Prior code § 3107)
A. 
The City may provide on-call tree services during emergencies. The Parks and Urban Forestry Manager or designee shall determine if an emergency exists.
B. 
The Parks and Urban Forestry Manager shall notify, by means of certified mail, property owners of trees causing hazards. The property owner shall be given sufficient time to alleviate the hazard. If necessary, the City may contract to remove the hazard and bill the property owner for services rendered. In case of emergency, the hazard may be removed by directive of the Parks and Urban Forestry Manager.
(Prior code § 3109)
Any interested person may appeal in writing to the City Council from any action taken, pursuant to this Chapter, by filing a notice of appeal in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1.32 of this Code.
(Prior code § 3110; Ord. 1673(20) § 33)
Violation of any of the provisions set forth by this Chapter shall be an infraction and shall be punishable as provided by law.
(Prior code § 3111)