12.20.030 Standards for trees located in the right-of-way.
A. Maintenance. Stormwater control facilities in LMC 15.22.010 shall be maintained in accordance with the current City of Lacey Stormwater Design Manual.
B. Street Tree Varieties to Be Planted. All trees within the right-of-way shall be planted in accordance with Section 4G.100 of the city of Lacey Development Guidelines and Public Works Standards including species, size, location, etc. Any alternate species shall not be used unless approved by the city forester.
C. Tree Topping. It is unlawful for any person or city department to top any street tree, park tree or other tree on public property. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical, may be exempted from this chapter at the determination of the city forester.
D. Property Owner Responsibilities. Property owners and/or community associations shall have the following responsibilities regarding street trees within the property owner’s portion of right-of-way fronting their property:
1. Dead and Severely Damaged Street Trees. Dead or severely damaged street trees shall be removed and replaced.
2. Hazard Trees. Hazardous street trees shall be removed or pruned. In the event of removal, the street tree shall be replaced.
3. Right-of-Way Obstructions. Street trees shall be maintained so that they do not obstruct the free use of the right-of-way, including, but not limited to, clearance for sight visibility, traffic signage and signals, as well as pedestrian and vehicular use of streets and sidewalks.
4. Protection of Utilities, Streets, and Sidewalks. Street trees shall be planted and maintained so that they do not damage utilities, streets or sidewalks.
5. Improperly Pruned Street Trees. No person may engage in improper pruning of street trees. The city forester may require a property owner to remove and replace improperly pruned street trees, if the improperly pruned street tree will not be able to achieve its mature size or full environmental function.
6. Clean Right-of-Way. The right-of-way shall be kept reasonably clean from street tree debris, including, but not limited to, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit.
7. Disease or Insect Infestations. Street trees shall be maintained free of disease or insect infestation. Street trees that are infected with disease or insects shall be replaced, if deemed necessary by the city forester. (Ord. 1496 §1, 2016; Ord. 1455 §1 (part), 2015).