§ 9.118.060. Regulations, controls and prohibitions.

Except as otherwise provided herein, no tree shall be planted, maintained or removed except in conformity with this section:

(1)

Pruning. All trees shall be maintained in a manner to promote healthy growth, reduce fire hazards or excessive blockage of views of mountains or valleys from adjoining properties or sight triangles or traffic intersections. Pruning shall not degrade or adversely affect the health of any tree. Pruning practices shall conform to the pruning standards which have been adopted by the western chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, and/or the National Arborists Association.

(2)

Seriously diseased or dead trees. Seriously diseased or dead trees shall be treated or removed by the property owner as necessary to correct the condition or prevent the spread to trees on adjoining properties. The Eucalyptus species of tree killed by the eucalyptus longhorn beetle (ELB) must be cut down, buried or chipped. Trees which show symptoms of ELB infestation may require removal, unless adequate moisture becomes available allowing the tree to produce sufficient quantities of resin to kill all or enough of the larvae that the tree recovers from the infestation. A no-fee permit will be issued for removal of a dead or diseased tree.

(3)

Removal of native trees and/or prominent trees. No prominent tree, native tree or any other tree defined in Section 9.118.030 and/or which is of a desirable genus and species shall be removed without first obtaining a permit to do so. The City Manager shall issue such permits only after the presentation of photographs and/or drawings showing that the prominent tree is a significant health or fire hazard or has become an extremely severe detriment to the view of the mountains or valley from house sites. A 14-day waiting period is created hereby, during which time appeals to any decisions, restrictions or conditions made by the City Manager on the permit may be submitted in writing to the Planning Commission. Should an appeal be filed, the 14-day holding period is extended automatically until the next Planning Commission meeting for which the item can be placed on the agenda.

(4)

Removal of orchard trees. No orchard tree shall be removed without first obtaining a permit to do so. The City Manager shall issue such permits only after presentation of photographs and/or drawings showing that the orchard tree is a significant health or fire hazard or has become a severe detriment to the view of the mountains or valley from house sites. A 14-day waiting period is created hereby during which time appeals to any decisions, restrictions or conditions made by the City Manager on the permit may be submitted in writing to the Planning Commission. Should an appeal be filed, the 14-day holding period is extended automatically until the next Planning Commission meeting for which the item can be placed on the agenda.

(5)

Removal of nuisance trees. No nuisance tree may be removed without first obtaining a permit to do so. The City Manager shall issue such permits only after presentation of photographs and/or drawings showing that the subject tree has a root system that is causing damage to surrounding hardscape, is interfering with the use of street, parkway, sidewalk, curb, street, gutter, sewer or other public improvements or utilities, including water utilities or services, is interfering with an adjoining property, is a significant health or fire hazard or has become a severe detriment to the view of the mountains or valley from house sites. No waiting period is required for removal of nuisance trees. To preserve public safety and reliability in the construction, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground electric lines and facilities, public utilities are exempt from the provisions, requirements and restrictions of this section.

(Ord. No. 297, § 9.06.090.060, 3-20-2007)