For the purposes of this chapter the words and terms defined in this section have the meaning ascribed to them, unless the context otherwise requires:
"Aerial operation"
means any tree trimming or pruning operation, which is being performed by a commercial arborist on tree branches 12 feet above the ground or greater, measured from the ground where it intersects with the tree trunk, to the branch where it intersects with the tree trunk, and all tree-felling operations.
"ANSI: American National Standards Institute A300"
are the generally accepted industry standards for tree care practices.
"Commercial arborist"
means any person, firm or corporation, engaged in the business of cutting, trimming, pruning, spraying, injecting chemicals, or removing trees, greater than 20 feet in height for compensation. However, an employee or subcontractor of a duly franchised public utility who (which) is solely retained and engaged in overhead line work, and has (have) agreed to comply with ANSI Z133 Standards, are not included in the definition of commercial arborist, for purposes of this chapter.
"Large tree"
means over 40 feet projected height at maturity.
"Lion-tailing"
means the removal of an excessive number of inner, lateral branches from parent branches.
"Maintenance"
means any and all work performed on trees including, but not limited to, planting, watering, pruning, removing, stump grinding, treating for insects or diseases, protecting and enhancing soils, and preserving and protecting trees during construction.
"Medium tree"
means greater than 20 feet to 40 feet projected height at maturity.
"Private trees"
means all trees located on private property.
"Public sidewalks"
means sidewalks located within the public right-of-way.
"Public trees"
means all trees on land lying within the public rights-of-way or public grounds.
"Small tree"
means up to 20 feet projected height at maturity.
"Topping"
means 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.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
The owner or occupant of the abutting premises upon notice by the community development director or his/her designee, within 10 days from the date of such notice, shall remove any limb of a tree, which has become likely to fall on or across any sidewalk, street or other public way or place, whether or not such tree grows or stands on his or her property or on the right-of-way or public roadway. Nothing in this section would prevent an employee of the city of Riverton, acting in their official capacity, to remove any limb of a tree, which has become likely to fall on or across any sidewalk, street or other public way or place, or inhibit the view of regulatory signs, or sight lines of an intersection, when immediate removal is in the interest of public safety.
(Prior code § 28-7; Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
The city shall have the right to cause the removal of any dead or diseased trees on private property within the city, when such trees constitute a hazard to life and property, or harbor insects or disease which constitute a potential threat to other trees within the city. The city will notify in writing the owners of such trees. Removal shall be done by said owners at their own expense within 10 days after the date of service of notice pursuant to Section 9.12.200(B) of Riverton Municipal Code. In the event of failure of the owners to comply with such provisions, the city shall have the authority to remove such trees and charge the cost of removal to the owners pursuant to Section 13.04.010 of Riverton Municipal Code; and if not promptly paid, liens will be placed and the owner will be responsible for all fees incurred therein pursuant to Section 12.20.020 of Riverton Municipal Code.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
A. 
Any person or entity within the city owning, occupying or in control of premises upon which, or which abuts, an obstacle in violation of Section 8.20.010 exists or which a dangerous limb in violation of Section 8.20.020 exists or a tree that is considered a violation of Section 8.20.021, shall be served written notice of the violation by the community development director or his/her designee, and shall be required to cut, trim or otherwise remove such tree, shrub or limb to conform with Sections 8.20.010, 8.20.020 and 8.20.021, within 10 days from the date of such notice. Upon failure to comply with such notice, as mentioned in this section, the city may have such trees, shrubs or limbs cut, trimmed or otherwise removed to comply with Sections 8.20.010 and 8.20.020, charging the cost thereof as a special bill for such cutting, trimming or removal. Should such bill not be paid promptly, the same plus reasonable attorney fees and other costs of collection shall become a lien against such property and collectible as such.
B. 
Any person or entity who violates the terms of this section, in addition to paying the cost of cutting, trimming or removal of such trees, shrubs or limbs, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 1.20.010 of Riverton Municipal Code. The purpose of this section is primarily to safeguard the health and welfare of this community.
C. 
For purposes of this section, written notice may be served by certified or registered mail.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
New plantings of the following species, shall be prohibited on the right-of-way of any street, alley or public sidewalk. Those species of trees include: elms susceptible to dutch elm disease, lombardy poplar, white poplar, weeping willow, cottonwoods, box elder, upright evergreens, Russian olive, flowering crab, mountain ash, cutleaf weeping birch, salt cedar, ash, any tree, shrub or hedge which by its habit of growth cannot be maintained to a single leader or trunk, any tree, shrub or hedge which by its habit of growth would obstruct, restrict or conflict with necessary and safe use of the public right-of-way, such as upright evergreens, including spruce, pine, or juniper. Nothing in this section prohibits the planting of the referenced species on privately owned property. Any new plantings, not prohibited in this section, shall be planted in accordance with the tree care practices outlined in American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
A. 
Excavations Near Trees. No person shall excavate any ditches, tunnels, or trenches within a radius of eight feet from any public tree without first obtaining written permission from the community development director pursuant to Sections 12.16.010 - 12.16.050 of Riverton Municipal Code. All trees on any public property near any excavation or construction of any building, structure or street work shall be guarded with a fence, frame or box of a size to be designated by the public works director or his/her designee in accordance with the size, age, and species of the tree or trees in question. All building material, soil and other debris shall be kept outside the barrier, except where otherwise specified by the city in writing pursuant to Section 12.16.060(B) of Riverton Municipal Code.
B. 
Deposits or Storage of Materials. No person shall deposit, place, store, or maintain upon any park, or public place of the city, any stone, brick, sand, concrete, or other materials which may impede the free passage of air, water and nutrients to the roots of any tree growing therein, except by written permit from the community development director.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
It is unlawful for anyone to top or lion-tail any tree on public property. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this chapter at the determination of the public works director or his/her designee.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
No trees, other than the small trees described in Section 8.20.010 of this chapter, may be planted under or within 10 lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within five lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, electrical transmission lines, telecommunications lines or other utility. Underground irrigation systems are exempt from this requirement.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
The city shall have the right to plant, prune, preserve and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the rights-of-way of all streets, alleys, avenues, lanes, squares and public grounds, as may be necessary to ensure public safety, to avoid utilities, or to preserve the symmetry and beauty public grounds. The city may, at its option, remove or cause to be removed any tree or part thereof which presents an unsafe condition or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers, electric power lines, gas lines, water lines or other public improvements.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
A. 
Registration. Any person or firm, engaged in the business of a commercial arborist, who engages in cutting, trimming, pruning, spraying, injecting chemicals, or removing public trees in excess of 20 feet in height, or trees in excess of 20 feet in height on private property within the city shall first register with the community development director.
B. 
Term. The term of registration shall be for one year from the date of original application or to coincide with the insurance policy date and shall be renewed annually.
C. 
Exceptions. Registration will not be required for any public works employee or other city employee doing such work in the pursuit of their official duties, or duly franchised public utilities engaged in providing electrical and/or telecommunication services to the public.
D. 
Education. Any person or firm engaged in the business of a commercial arborist, who engages in cutting, trimming, pruning, spraying, injecting chemicals, or removing public trees in excess of 20 feet in height, or trees in excess of 20 feet in height on private property within the city, shall comply with tree care standards in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300. Within three years of obtaining a commercial arborist registration from the city of Riverton, each commercial arborist shall secure certification from the International Society of Arboriculture as an ISA certified arborist. Proof of such certification shall be filed with the community development department.
E. 
Failure to Renew. Any registration not renewed within 30 days of expiration shall be automatically declared invalid.
F. 
Liability Insurance. At the time of registration, and subsequent renewal, a person or firm engaged in the business of a commercial arborist, who engages in cutting, trimming, pruning, spraying, injecting chemicals, or removing public trees in excess of 20 feet in height, or trees in excess of 20 feet in height on private property within the city of Riverton, shall provide a certificate of liability insurance to the community development department, and shall have a minimum insurance coverage as follows:
1. 
Injury or damage to property $100,000;
2. 
Injury or damage including death to any one person $100,000;
3. 
Injury or damage including death to more than one person $250,000.
G. 
Worker's Compensation Verification. A person, or firm engaged in the business of a commercial arborist, who engages in cutting, trimming, pruning, spraying, injecting chemicals, or removing public trees in excess of 20 feet in height, or trees in excess of 20 feet in height on private property within the city shall provide at the time of registration and subsequent renewal, verification of worker's compensation insurance coverage for all employees, if applicable under Wyoming law.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
A. 
Any person or firm engaged in the business of a commercial arborist shall pay an initial registration fee and renewal registration fee on each subsequent year.
Initial Year
$75.00
Renewal of Registration
$50.00
Renewal (delinquent after 30 days)
$75.00
B. 
The fees established in this section shall be reviewed annually by the city council.
C. 
The fee may additionally be adjusted from time to time by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 24-003, 9/3/2024)
A. 
Any person or entity within the city owning, occupying or in control of premises upon which, or which abuts, an obstacle in violation of Section 8.20.010 exists or which a dangerous limb in violation of Section 8.20.020 exists, shall be served written notice of the violation and shall be required to cut, trim or otherwise remove such tree, shrub or limb to conform with Sections 8.20.010 and 8.20.020, within 10 days from the date of such notice. Upon failure to comply with such notice, as mentioned in this section, the city may have such trees, shrubs or limbs cut, trimmed or otherwise removed to comply with Sections 8.20.010 and 8.20.020, charging the cost thereof as a special bill for such cutting, trimming or removal. Should such bill not be paid promptly, the same plus reasonable attorney fees and other costs of collection shall become a lien against such property and collectible as such.
B. 
Any person or entity who violates the terms of this section, in addition to paying the cost of cutting, trimming or removal of such trees, shrubs or limbs, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. The purpose of this section is primarily to safeguard the health and welfare of this community. Violation of this section is also deemed to constitute a nuisance.
C. 
For purposes of this section, written notice may be served by certified or registered mail.
(Prior code § 28-9)