Requirement for Street Trees for Residential Construction

City ordinances require the planting of one street tree per street frontage for new construction of duplexes and single-family dwellings. Note that corner losts would require two street trees--one per frontage.

A $300 fee per street frontage will be collected when a building permit is issued. The $300 fee collected will be held in a dedicated fund. A request for a refund of the $300 fee can be submitted when one of the following conditions have been met:

1. Retention of existing trees within the right-of-way
2. Purchase and planting of one tree per street frontage by application at the time of Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.)
3. Purchase and plantning of a tree(s) by property owner within 6 months of issuance of the C.O.

If one of these conditions has been met, you can request a refund by filling out and and submitting an Application for Refund.

If a refund form has not been submitted within six months after the C.O. is issued, the street tree fee will be used by the City to purchase and plant street trees within the same neighborhoods. Plantings will be scheduled for spring or fall.

Required street trees must be at least 1.25" caliper in size. Caliper is measured at 6" above the ground. This is equivalent to an 8 to 10 foot tall tree.

Required street trees can be selected from the list of approved street trees. A list is available from the Parks Department at City Hall (710) E. Mullan Avenue) or in the Planting & Parenting section of the Urban Forestry web site. The following restrictions to choice may apply:

1. If street trees will be planted in stormwater swales, they must be a swale- compatible tree
2. Where there are C.C.&R's or neighborhood-adopted guidelines, designated species are to be used

If you are unsure of species restriction in your neighborhood, check your C.C.&R.'s or contact the Urban Forestry division, at 769-2266.

Required street trees must be planted within the public right-of-way. One important factor in preventing future problems is selecting a good location. The tree trunk should be a minimum of 2 feet from curbs and sidewalk. For the sake of traffic safety, give consideration to the location of stop signs, other traffic signs, and visibility of approaching traffic at intersections. Also keep fire hydrants clear and accessible.

There are many other aspects of planting that can get trees off to a good start. Planting guidelines can be obtained from the Urban Forestry office at City Hall or in the Planting & Parenting section of the Urban Forestry web site.

There may be room for more than one street tree per lot. Additional street trees can be planted. To obtain information on suggested spacings, set-backs from intersections, and a free permit, contact Urban Forestry at 769-2266.