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The following is a summary of the City Urban Forestry Ordinance, Chapter 12.36. To view the complete ordinance, please click here.
Summary of Coeur d’Alene’s Urban Forestry Ordinance Coeur d’Alene’s public tree provide a variety of benefits to both people and the environment. The care and maintenance of Coeur d’Alene’s street trees are a cooperative effort between the City of Coeur d’Alene and the owners of private property that abuts the right-of-way. Caring for our City’s Trees Coeur d’Alene’s Urban Forestry Ordinance gives guidelines for the care and maintenance of all public trees and shrubs. The standards of tree care that the City Council has adopted are the American National Standards (for pruning, fertilizing, supplemental support systems, and lighting protection) and Community Canopy tree planting details. "Public trees" include trees growing within the public rights-of-way as well as trees growing in parks and on other city property. The right-of-way is the strip of land set aside for public uses such as streets, alley, sidewalks and utilities. Right-of-way widths vary from street to street. To determine whether or not a tree is growing within the right-of-way, contact the city’s Urban Forestry Coordinator (phone 769-2266). The owners of the private real property that abuts the rights-of-way (also called the "Controllers"), share with the city a responsibility for the stewardship of the city’s street trees. By maintaining those trees within the right-of-way adjacent to their property, the Controllers contribute to the beauty of the city’s streets. Controllers have the responsibility to:
Permits are required before planting, pruning or removing trees within the right-of-way. The permit system allows the city to provide Controllers with information on correct procedures as well as to maintain current records on the size and condition of Coeur d’Alene’s urban forest. There is no charge for a permit. Apply to the Urban
Forestry Coordinator at the Coeur d’Alene Parks office, City Hall, 710
E. Mullan Avenue or call 769-2266. A permit application is available on this web
site. Click here to view the Permit form.
Removing Trees A permit for the removal of a tree is not generally
approved unless: Other considerations include whether the tree size and/or
species is appropriate for the location, if there is interference with utility lines, and
the condition of the sidewalk, street, and curb. When a tree is removed, the stump must be cut back to a
point flush with the ground level and a replacement tree must be planted in the
right-of-way. Planting Trees Whenever a public tree or shrub is removed, planting of a
replacement tree or shrub is required. Coeur d’Alene also has many potential planting
spots where trees could be adding to the beauty of our streets. Selecting the right tree for the planting spot is very
important. The City Council has adopted a list of trees that will grow well in our area
and have good street-side habits. Trees on the approved tree list are divided into three
size categories: small (under 25’ tall at maturity), medium (25’ –
50’), and large (taller than 50’). Selection of size depends on the growing room
available. For instance, only trees from the "small" list can be planted under
power lines. At planting time, trees to be planted within the public
right-of-way must be at least 1¼ inches caliper. Caliper measurements are the trunk
diameter taken 6 inches above the ground or above the graft. An approved tree list and
guidelines on spacing, distance from curbs and sidewalks, and tree planting are available
from the Parks Department office as well as in the Planting
and Parenting section of this website. Many of the insects and diseases that attack trees and
shrubs can be treated by application of pesticides in proper amounts at the proper time.
For help with pest identification and treatment, contact the County Extension Service,
your local garden shop, or the City’s Urban Forestry Coordinator. Pruning can help young trees develop into structurally
strong trees. It is used in mature trees to thin crowns and remove dead, dying, diseased,
obstructing or weak branches. Pruning is also used to provide sufficient clearance under
trees for public passage. Branches of mature trees must be trimmed to provide 7 feet of
clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet of clearance over roads. If you are going to do the pruning yourself, a permit is required. Information on
proper pruning will be given with the permit. The reduction of total tree size can be accomplished by
"crown-reduction" pruning. This method can be performed on public trees only
by
licensed tree services which have obtained permission. "Topping," "hat-racking,"
"cutting back," or "rounding over" is harmful to the health and safety of trees and is not an
acceptable practice to use on right-of-way trees. More information on tree pruning is available
from the Parks Department office as well as in the Tree
Care section of this website. Public Nuisances Parts of trees can also be a public nuisance,
such as the roots of any tree or shrub which interfere with or cause the surface of the
street, curb or sidewalk to be heaved or disturbed. Trees and shrubs must also be maintained so that they do
not impair visibility of traffic signs, street signs, or vision between 3 feet and 8 feet
within 40 feet of an intersection. Sidewalk and Street Damage Controllers are responsible for repairing the damage done
to street, sidewalk, or curb by the roots of public or private trees. Prevention is the best way to deal with sidewalk problems.
Selection of the right size and species of tree will prevent many problems. When planting
trees, a 12" deep root barrier can be installed to guide tree roots below the
sidewalk. Root barriers are required when repair work is done to
sidewalks already damaged by roots. When sidewalk repairs require the cutting of tree
roots, the tops of the affected trees should also be pruned by removing any
damaged, dying or crossing branches. This helps balance the tree's demand for
water with the reduced ability of the root system to absorb it. Doing the Job Yourself You will be given helpful "how to" information
along with your permit. If your tree activities will be impairing the use of the sidewalk
or road, an encroachment permit from the City’s Engineering Division is also
required. All debris must be removed from the streets by sunset of the day you do the
work. If you are going to remove a tree on your own, you will
need to sign a hold-harmless agreement for liability purposes. Hiring a Licensed Operator If you are hiring someone to plant, prune or remove trees
within the right-of-way, you must use a city-licensed tree service. This assures you that
the service is aware of city standards and also fulfills city insurance requirements. For
a list of tree services currently licensed with the City, see this web page under the
section on "Planting and Parenting". It is unlawful for for any person to willfully damage,
mutilate or destroy any public tree or shrub. Please do not: |
