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A. Street tree work permit required. No person may plant, perform major pruning, or remove any street tree, or disturb the area within the drip line of a street tree, or cause or authorize another person to do so, unless the person obtains a street tree work permit from the City Forester. Unless otherwise provided in this section, a separate permit is required for each work location. No permit is required for minor pruning of street trees.

1. Annual or individual permit for utilities. Utilities shall apply for an annual permit to perform planting, major pruning or removal of street trees. The permit application must include an annual plan that identifies work that will be done during the year. The permit holder must file quarterly reports which will identify all work done on street trees. As an alternative to an annual permit, public agencies and utilities may choose to apply for individual work permits as needed.

2. Permit requirements for city departments. Annual or individual street tree work permits for city activities will not be required. City departments shall obtain approval from the City Forester for any city project that requires planting, pruning or removal of street trees, or disturbance of the area within the drip line of a street tree.

B. Emergency pruning and removal. No street tree work permit is required to prune or remove a street tree that is in imminent danger of failing. Any individual, acting under this subsection, must notify the City Forester of the emergency pruning or removal within one working day of the action.

C. Permit application data. The applicant must provide the location, number and kind of trees to be pruned or removed and planted; the kind of work to be done; the reasons for the requested activity; and any other information required by the City Forester to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

D. Standards for permit issuance. The City Forester shall issue a permit if, in the City Forester’s judgment, the proposed work and methods are consistent with the requirements of this chapter.

E. Time. Any permit issued shall contain a date of expiration and the work must be completed within (90) ninety days of permit issuance.

F. Notice of Completion. The permit holder shall notify the City Forester of completed work within five days upon completion of said work.

G. City street tree worker license required for major pruning. The city requires that major pruning be performed by a person who has a current city street tree worker license, pursuant to the requirements contained in VMC 12.04.050. (Ord. M-3766 §1, 2006)