Urban Forestry begins investigating a code violation when a citizen reports a potential violation. If a violation is found, Urban Forestry will outline a corrective action plan. If the correction is not made within the specified timeframe enforcement actions may be required. See fee schedule for fees and payments. Civil penalties are designed to deter further violations so violating city code will be more costly than abiding by city code.

What is a tree code violation?

• Failure to properly maintain trees
• Conducting regulated tree activities without a permit
• Non-compliance with conditions of a permit
• Topping and excessive pruning
• Failure to install or maintain tree protection during development
• Removal or failure to maintain regulated trees

Code Violation Correction Process

When a violation of the tree code is confirmed by a site inspection, responsible parties are notified and informed of actions needed to correct the violation. Correction options include:

• Applying for the appropriate permit
• Pruning trees to clearance standards
• Planting required trees
• Payment in lieu of planting trees
• Mitigation payment for removed trees
• Treatment of affected trees (i.e. restructuring by a certified arborist)
• Removal and replacement of dead or damaged trees
• Tree permit violation review
• Payment of a civil penalty

If a violation is corrected within the given timeframe, the case is closed and no further action is taken. However, if the responsible parties are unresponsive or uncooperative, enforcement actions may be taken. Enforcement actions include:

• Initiating a proceeding before the Code Hearings Officer to enforce correction options above
• Enforcement penalties
• Initiating the nuisance abatement process
• Removal from the Tree Care Providers list