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May 31, 1994 <br /> To: Johnny Medlin <br /> On Thursday (5/26) I talked with Greg Ferschweiler, Maintenance Supervisor for <br /> Springfield Public Works, about their street tree ordinance for new <br /> development. Their ordinance is not new, at least 10 years old. Greg <br /> estimates. A copy of the ordinance is attached. The ordinance applies to new <br /> residential and commercial development, and requires the planting of street <br /> trees prior to being granted final occupancy. Greg did say that they have <br /> approved occupancy if the developer /owner posts a performance bond to cover <br /> the street tree planting (usually during periods of poor planting conditions, <br /> ie. hot summer: freezing winter). <br /> The basic standard is one tree every 30 feet. Owners are given credit for an <br /> existing tree on private property within 10 feet of the street property line. <br /> I think there is much to be gained by allowing "street trees" to occur within <br /> the first 10 feet or so of private property. It gets them out of the "utility <br /> area, and possibly can reduce the amount of r.o.w. width necessary. Such an <br /> approach would require amending the zoning ordinance to place the street tree <br /> requirement on the private property's front yard. This is a doable technique <br /> that has been promoted in urban and site planning texts. <br /> Greg said he felt the ordinance has had good success, but it could be improved <br /> in the area of inspection. Currently site checks and inspections are done by <br /> several offices. Sometime the city planners do inspections, especially on <br /> commercial projects; building inspectors inspect most of the residential: and <br /> PW- Maint. (Greg) inspects when there is interpretations / decisions to be made <br /> on specific applications. Greg said he is referred to as Springfield's tree <br /> person (their version of urban forester). <br /> I hope this information helps you with Barbara Keller's inquiry. <br /> - jWeber <br /> 'Po fS <br /> , <br /> 5-e- d <br /> 1 p'426X7_7( <br />