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:
Trees, shrubs and bushes within the Town's jurisdiction.
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.
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.
