Overview

City Ordinance states that trees that are located on private property, including within any adjacent terraces, are the responsibility of the property owner. 

Trees that are located within or extend out into the public right-of-way must be maintained to ensure the safety of pedestrians and vehicles utilizing the sidewalk, street, or alley. 

City Ordinance 22-140 "Dutch Elm, Emerald Ash Borer, and Other Diseased, Infested, Infected, Damaged, and/or Unsafe Trees"

City policy allows property owners to remove the dead or dying tree at their own expense within a reasonable time frame.

• If the property owner fails to remove the tree, the City will utilize a contractor to perform the work at the property owner’s expense, per City Ordinance 22-140.

• For more information regarding Emerald Ash Borer beetles and infestations, please visit the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) webpage.

City Ordinance 34-197 "Streets and Sidewalks: Trees and Shrubbery"

A property owner is required to maintain trees on their property, including those located on the terrace between the curb and lot line, according to the following Ordinance provisions:

• All limbs, branches, and foliage must be maintained at a height no less than fifteen (15) feet over the curb of a street and no less than seven (7) feet over a sidewalk.

• Bushes and shrubbery must not have branches, leaves, or other foliage extending over any street or sidewalk.

• Any aged, decaying, or dead branches or limbs of trees or shrubbery located within the public right-of-way must be removed to eliminate the safety hazard created by falling limbs or branches.
  
  
• Trees and shrubbery within or next to the public right-of-way that are over thirty (30) inches above curb grade must not obstruct traffic or vision of traffic and must comply with the vision triangle requirements set forth in the Ordinance.
  • Trees trimmed to the trunk with branches at least seven (7) feet above the sidewalk are exempt.
  • Trees and shrubbery must not obstruct vision of traffic signs.

Abatement Process

City policy allows property owners the opportunity to trim the trees to the proper height or to remove the tree at their own expense within a reasonable time frame.   Only 1 notice will be issued for tree trimming and removals.

If the property owner fails to correct the situation, the City will utilize a contractor to perform the work at the property owner’s expense, per City Ordinance 34-201.

Tree and/or Shrubbery Trimming

1. A notice will be issued to the property owner after non-compliance has been verified by City inspectors. The notice may be in the form of a door hanger left at the property and/or a letter mailed to the property owner.
2. After 30 days, City staff will re-inspect the property. If the work has not been completed satisfactorily, the City will perform the work at the expense of the property owner. Before and after photographs are taken of all work completed by City staff and/or City-hired contractors.

Tree Removals

1. A notice will be issued to the property owner after non-compliance has been verified by City inspectors.  The notice may be in the form of a door hanger left at the property and/or a letter mailed to the property owner. 
2. After 90 days, City staff will re-inspect the property.  If the work has not been completed satisfactorily, the City will obtain a contractor to perform the removal(s) at the expense of the property owner. 
3. If the property owner fails to contact City staff with a reasonable timeline for completion of the tree removal, the City will perform the work at the expense of the property owner.  Before and after photographs are taken of all work completed by City staff and/or City-hired contractors.

For more information or to report a violation, please call the City Services Center at 755-3110.

Tree Service Contractors

Beginning in 2015 and in consecutive years as needed, the Operations Division will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) annually to establish a list of qualified contractors for tree trimming and removal services for the upcoming calendar year. 

• To be listed on the "Approved Contractors List" and be eligible to bid on tree trimming and removal services for the City, contractors must meet minimum qualifications and respond to the RFQ prior to the deadline. 

For more information, please contact the City Services Center at 755-3110.

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