Skip to main content
Loading…
This section is included in your selections.

A. To prevent hazards to the public, property owners shall maintain all trees, shrubs and other plant growth on their property or adjacent to their property and within the public right-of-way and shall at all times ensure that no tree, shrub or other plant for which the property owner bears responsibility is maintained so as to create a dangerous condition of public property. Hazards shall include, but not be limited to, branches hanging over sidewalks and shrubbery growing into the right-of-way which interferes with passage or visibility.

B. The city will notify property owners of known hazards by posting abatement notices according to the Streets and Highways Code, Improvement Act of 1911, Sections 5610 through 5618, or as subsequently amended.

C. Any tree or shrub growing on private property that, in the opinion of the director, endangers public property shall be removed or trimmed by the property owner within fourteen days after receiving notice from the director. If the property owner fails to remove or trim the trees or shrubs, the city will conduct the work and assess the property owner for the cost of the city tree crew or for a contractor to do the work. Any removal and trimming costs shall become a lien on the property if not paid by the property owner after being billed by the city. These costs shall be recorded with the county recorder’s office. The assessment may be collected by court action.

D. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the property owner shall bear responsibility for injuries to and shall be responsible for any liability caused by or resulting from the property owner’s negligent failure to maintain or repair any tree, shrub or plant growth as required by this chapter.

E. In case of emergency caused by a tree in a hazardous condition, the tree may be removed by order of the director.

F. Emergency Tree Services. The city may provide on-call tree services in emergencies. Emergencies include fallen trees and other immediate safety hazards. The director shall determine if an emergency exists. (Ord. 1544 § 1 (part), 2010)