City of
Ordinance No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that mature trees represent a resource in our community and on historic sites that is worth preserving;
WHEREAS, recent public works projects and line clearance activities have made it apparent that the city needs to develop a clear policy on public works projects and trees and landscaping maintenance for historic sites;
WHEREAS, Section .5809-13 C 1 of the Historic Preservation Ordinance defines alteration as any exterior change or modification through public or private action, to the character defining or significant physical features of historic sites including cutting or removal of trees, landscaping or other natural features;
WHEREAS, alterations to historic sites require approval of Certificate of Appropriateness;
WHEREAS, City Council Resolution 73-68 protects specimen, or heritage, trees by prohibiting removal of specimen trees, unless the tree becomes infected or infested beyond control, detrimental or hazardous to the public health, safety or welfare;
WHEREAS, the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance defines mature significant trees, requires maintenance and protection of the trees, establishes a permit process for their removal and creates penalties for violation of the ordinance;
WHEREAS, the goal is to develop a tree protection and preservation program for historic sites that will achieve historic preservation goals and be consistent with existing city ordinances on street trees, landscaping and the city’s street tree master plan;
WHEREAS, the city is responsible for all trees and landscaping in the city right-of-way;
WHEREAS, inappropriate landscaping or poorly maintained trees can create liability issues;
WHEREAS, the historic sites tree preservation program must ensure that all landscaping in the parkway or on city property is maintained in a manner that does not endanger lives, or create hazards that could threaten public or private property;
WHEREAS, on April 5, 2000, the Historic Preservation Commission adopted Resolution No. 2000-06 recommending that the City Council adopt and implement the Tree Protection and Preservation Program for historic sites.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: