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DRAFT <br /> PUBLIC WORKS POLICY <br /> DATE: September 13, 1994 <br /> SUBJECT: 1 ' •_01 e 111 ION 1 • • I 1 1 ;ALO V • • ALL AN <br /> IL DL__ I 11; ai ' eidt .I -WAY <br /> GENERAL: <br /> Trees planted and maintained along street rights -of -way are considered a public asset and any <br /> benefit to the property owners is incidental. The City will maintain the trees as an asset <br /> including removing the tree when it either dies or becomes a hazard' to the public. The City <br /> recognizes there are instances when a tree becomes a nuisance and an unreasonable burden to <br /> the adjacent property owner. The City will examine the factors listed below to decide if the <br /> nuisance created by the tree is an unreasonable burden on the impacted property owner. <br /> However, City Council has determined that building and private sign visibility to be <br /> incidental to the main function of the public road system and not a factor to be used in <br /> assessing undue burden. To determine if the specific tree creates an unreasonable burden to <br /> the impacted property owner the following formula will be used <br /> (A+B+C+D+E ) - (F+G) = X <br /> If X is 0 or greater the City will allow the tree to be removed. <br /> If X is less than 0, then the tree will be retained. <br /> A) The City will determine the remaining life span of the tree. (Points, 5 or more years - <br /> 0,3to5 years - 3,Oto3 years -5) <br /> B) The City will research Public Works Department records regarding past maintenance <br /> demands to see if there is a history of problems (e.g., sudden and unexpected limb <br /> drop, but not normal maintenance demands such as removing dead limbs, raising dead <br /> limbs, etc.) with the tree. (Points, None - 0, one - 1, two or more - 2) <br /> C) The City will research past written complaints submitted to the Public Works <br /> Department, and review any private bills for repairs submitted by the property owner <br /> which are attributed to the tree to see if there is a history of unreasonable problems <br /> 'A hazard tree has a significant, non-repairable defect and a target as determined by using <br /> the criteria within the "Evaluation of Hazard Trees In Urban Areas," by Matheny & Clark. <br /> 2 A11 trees have expected maintenance requirements that are customary and reasonable. <br /> Reasonable maintenance includes tending to seasonal fall of leaves, flowers, twigs, and <br /> policy\nuisance.pol 9/13/94 <br />