St. Louis City Revised Code Chapter 22.48 Division of Forestry
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22.48.010 Purpose and intent. Editor's Note: Ord. No. 68607, §§ 2--27, adopted March 16, 2010, repealed ch. 22.48
and enacted a new chapter as set out herein. The former ch. 22.48, §§
22.48.010--22.48.250, pertained to similar subject matter and derived from
§§ 240.010, 240.020, 240.040, 240.050, 241.010--241.040,
241.060--241.080, 242.010--242.110, and 243.010--243.030 of the 1960 Code;
Ord. No. 49772, § 2(28)--(42), (45)--(47), 1960; Ord. No. 56447, 1973;
and Ord. No. 64804, §§ 1--8, 1999. 22.48.010 Purpose and intent. The Board of Aldermen of the City of St. Louis finds and declares as
follows: A. The planning, development, maintenance and cultivation of a diverse,
plentiful and healthy urban forest within the City of St. Louis (the
"City") in perpetuity is desirable and in the interest of the
health, welfare, comfort and general well being of the City's citizens,
because of the positive environmental, social and economic benefits trees
provide, such as oxygen production, dust filtration, storm water runoff
reduction, pollution absorption, erosion control, phytoremediation,
creation and enhancement of recreational spaces, energy cost reduction and
the provision of shade. B. The presence of mature and healthy trees is important in the
stabilization and growth of neighborhoods, as attractive tree-lined
streets contribute to increased property values and general neighborhood
improvements. C. The presence of trees within the City promotes tourism and commerce
because of the positive effect trees have on the appearance and
attractiveness of the physical environment of the City. D. The proper management, care and protection of the City's urban
forest requires policies and specifications for the planting, maintenance,
preservation and management of trees, shrubs and plants on City property,
and in some circumstances on private property, to preserve public safety
and prevent or control infectious diseases and insect pests harmful to the
tree, shrub and plant population in the City. E. With proper management, planning and resources the benefits of a
diverse, plentiful and healthy urban forest can be fully realized and
maintained for the City in perpetuity. F. The Board of Aldermen finds and declares that: 1. This chapter is a "police power" regulation necessary to
protect the public health, safety, welfare and peace; 2. The effective administration of this chapter will entail the
exercise from time to time of administrative discretion; 3. It is not possible to provide in legislation comprehensive rules
for the appropriate exercise of administrative discretion in all
circumstances relating to the proper regulation and management of trees,
shrubs and plants; 4. Accordingly, it is appropriate to vest discretion in the
Commissioner, as hereinafter defined, and the Division, as hereinafter
defined, in circumstances where matters affecting proper selection,
location, condition, planting and removal of trees, shrubs and plants
are not expressly addressed by this chapter, and it is the intent of the
Board of Aldermen, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to vest such
discretion in the Commissioner and the Division, to be exercised in
furtherance of the underlying purpose of this chapter. 22.48.020 Rules of construction, definitions. A. In this chapter: 1. The singular number includes the plural number and the plural
includes the singular. 2. Shall is mandatory and may is permissive. 3. The masculine gender includes feminine and neuter. B. In this chapter when the following words or phrases are used, they
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise: Caliper: The diameter of a Tree measured at a point 6 inches above ground
line if the resulting measurement is no more than 4 inches. If the resulting
measurement is more than 4 inches then the measurement is made at a point 12
inches above the ground line. City property: All real property which is owned, leased or maintained by
the City, any part of any right-of-way within the City, other than parks. City tree: Any tree found or located on City property. Commissioner: The Commissioner of Forestry of the City of St. Louis or
such Commissioner's designated employee. Contractor: A Person acting under a contract or written agreement with
the City, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry or the Forestry
Division for the performance of an activity or function called for by this
chapter. Critical root zone: All or part of a Tree's root system that must remain
undisturbed to offer the tree the best chance for survival. Critical rooting
distance shall be determined by multiplying the Tree's diameter in inches at
4.5 feet above soil line by 2.5. For trees growing in areas that are less
than their critical rooting distance the critical root zone is all of the
growing area. Diameter breast height: The diameter of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above
average grade. Director: The Director of the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and
Forestry. Division: The Division of Forestry of the City's Department of Parks,
Recreation and Forestry. Hazard tree: A tree possessing qualities in structure and/or growth that
create an unacceptable level of risk to public safety. Person: An individual person, corporation, association or entity of any
kind. Plant: Any form or type of vegetation that is not a tree or shrub. Right-of-way: Property located within and adjoining streets, roads and
alleys within the City, which is owned, controlled or maintained by the
City, including but not limited to areas commonly referred to as "tree
lawn" between sidewalks and curbs. Shrub: Any self-supporting multi-stemmed woody plant that attains at
maturity a height of 12 feet or less. Tree: Any self-supporting woody plant having a well defined stem, a more
or less well defined crown and a mature height of greater than 12 feet
and/or a trunk diameter measuring no less than 1.5 inches measured at
diameter breast height, or a cluster of main stems having an aggregate
diameter of not less than 2 inches in diameter measured at diameter breast
height. Weed: Any unwanted plant, shrub or tree, which because of its location
and/or growth characteristics or habits is commonly considered an
undesirable element in the landscape. 22.48.030 Applicability; park trees. A. All provisions of this chapter shall apply to all City property,
except as otherwise provided in this chapter. B. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, trees, shrubs and plants
now or hereafter located on City parks or on other land maintained by the
Parks Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry shall be
controlled and managed by the Parks Commissioner, who shall enforce all
applicable provisions of this chapter as they pertain to such trees, shrubs
and plants; provided, however, that the Director may grant the Commissioner
of Forestry the authority to assume specific tree, shrub and plant
management and maintenance duties in City parks. 22.48.040 Commissioner of forestry. The Division shall be in the charge of a Commissioner appointed by the
Director The Commissioner shall be responsible for planting, trimming and
maintaining all City trees along all public right of way. the Commissioner
shall also be responsible, as herein provided, for the planting, maintenance
and management of all trees, shrubs and plants located upon City property,
and for developing standard practices and procedures and planting,
maintenance and management specifications for the Division to ensure the
effective management of trees, shrubs and plants within the City's
jurisdiction. 22.48.050 Administrative responsibilities. The Commissioner shall: A. Keep a record of all transactions of the Division, and whenever the
Director may require, make a full detailed report concerning the same in
addition to the annual report required by Section 10 of Article VIII of
the City Charter. B. Be the custodian of records and papers of the Division and prepare
and maintain all necessary literature, notifications, and records
necessary for the administration of this chapter. C. Prepare and implement a Master Street Tree Planting and Maintenance
Plan, consistent with this chapter, which shall include an inventory of
existing City trees, tree planting standards, standards for the acceptance
of nursery stock and tree planting recommendations that promote species
diversity and a sustainable and healthy urban forest, and procedures and
standards required to effectively and safely facilitate all tree
maintenance activities of the Division. Such plan shall be kept on file at
the Division's office and in the City Register's office. D. Prepare and implement an emergency tree management plan, consistent
with this chapter, that shall include procedures and steps for maintaining
and restoring the City's urban forest during and following an emergency
such as a tornado, thunderstorm, windstorm, ice storm, flood or other act
of God. Such plan shall be kept on file at the Division's office and in
the City Register's office. E. Develop and maintain a list of equipment and labor costs associated
with services provided by the Division for the purposes of assessing
penalties as provided for in Section 22.48.240. 22.48.060 Employees. A. The Commissioner is authorized to appoint and control the number of
assistants and subordinate employees necessary to perform the duties of the
Division, subject to the Civil Service provisions of the City Charter and
applicable ordinances. B. The Commissioner may designate a deputy to act in the Commissioner's
place in the event of the Commissioner's temporary absence from the City. 22.48.070 Authority. The Commissioner shall have the power and authority to: A. Prepare and implement procedures, standards and specifications
pertaining to the planting, pruning, removal, disease and insect
treatment, protection and other necessary maintenance and management
activities of all trees, shrubs or plants planted on City property. B. Recommend to the Director possible future ordinance provisions (b)
pertaining to trees, shrubs and plants located on private property which
would, if enacted, tend to prevent the spread of infectious disease and
insect pests harmful to the general health and well being of the entire
tree, shrub and plant population within the City and to control and/or
abate nuisance and hazard trees. C. Enter upon private property at reasonable hours for the purposes of
inspecting trees thereon, if there is reasonable cause to believe by
virtue of its appearance, or otherwise, that a tree has structural or
growth conditions that make it a hazard, or is or may be infected with a
infectious disease or vectors that may transmit an infectious disease or
an insect pest harmful to the general well being of the entire tree
population in the City. The Commissioner shall have the power and
authority to mark or otherwise identify any such tree and remove any
samples or portions thereof for purposes of further diagnosis of any
suspected disease or insect problems. D. Cause trees on private property to be free of hazards, diseases and
insect pests. E. Cause trees on private property to be maintained so as to prevent
the obstruction of: vehicular or pedestrian traffic, street corners and
intersections, alleys, traffic control signs and devices and the safe
passage of light as described in Section 22.48.140. 22.48.080 Tree placement and planting. A. The Commissioner shall determine, by regulations issued pursuant to
Section 22.48.260, and maintain standards for the appropriate tree species,
sizes, spacing and placement on City property, including a list of
undesirable and desirable street trees, and standards for the minimum size
for tree boxes/wells, and the appropriate spacing distances for existing
trees located on City property. B. The Commissioner shall determine and maintain standards for the
acceptance of nursery stock for trees to be planted or placed upon any right
of way. C. The Commissioner shall inspect and approve all street trees prior to
their planting on any right of way. D. The Commissioner shall review and approve all plans for the planting
of trees on City or private property by any City department or agency, and
for the planting of trees on private property as part of any development
project of any kind approved by any City department or agency, including
agencies operated by St. Louis Development Corporation. E. Any trees hereafter set out, planted or raised on City property, which
are not consistent with the standards provided for in this section, are
hereby declared a public nuisance and subject to treatment and abatement as
such. 22.48.090 Tree planting. A. When in the judgment of the Commissioner it is necessary or desirable
that trees be planted on City Property the Commissioner shall develop and
implement such plans as necessary to cause said trees to be planted. The
Commissioner is further authorized to develop programs, policies and
procedures to foster and encourage the planting of trees by City residents,
other public agencies and businesses. B. The Commissioner shall provide on an annual basis to each alderman an
accounting of street trees removed and planted so as to indicate their net
gain or loss within their ward. C. The Commissioner shall provide on an annual basis to the Director an
accounting of street trees removed and planted indicating the net gain or
loss of City trees within each ward of the City and the net gain or loss of
City trees within the City as a whole. D. Whenever the Division shall remove any City tree, the Division shall
plant a new City tree not less than 2.5 inches in caliper size to replace
the removed City tree. When site conditions permit, the replacement City
tree shall be planted within 500 feet of the site of the removed tree. If a
suitable planting location cannot be found within 500 feet of the removal
location, the replacement City tree shall be planted at another location
determined by the Commissioner within the ward where the removal occurred.
The cost of such replacement City trees shall be charged by the Commissioner
to the tree planting or similar account of the alderman of the ward where
the removal occurred, unless otherwise provided by this chapter. 22.48.100 Permit required to plant. A. No person shall plant, transplant, relocate or replace any tree on
City property without first obtaining a permit ("permit to plant")
from the Commissioner. This section shall not apply to planting or
reforestation activities of the Division or contractors. B. The Commissioner shall develop policies and procedures for the
Division to cause the efficient and equitable issuance of tree planting
permits under the provisions of this section. C. Work done under any permit to plant permit must be done in compliance
with any other applicable sections of this chapter. D. Any permit to plant shall specify the species and size of each tree to
be planted. E. Permits to plant trees larger than 4 inches in caliper size shall
expressly provide, as a condition of the issuance of the permit to plant,
that the permittee will pay replacement and associated replacement costs for
a period of 5 years after planting. F. Any and all trees hereafter set out, planted or raised upon City
property in violation of this section are hereby declared a public nuisance
and subject to treatment and abatement as such. 22.48.110 Permit to maintain required. A. No person shall directly or indirectly perform maintenance, including
but not limited to pruning, spraying or removal, on any City tree without
first obtaining a permit ("permit to maintain") from the
Commissioner. This section shall not apply to tree maintenance activities
performed by the Division or by contractors, or by or on behalf of any City
department or agency. B. The Commissioner shall develop policies and procedures for the
Division to cause the efficient and equitable issuance of permits to
maintain under this section. C. A Permit to maintain shall only be valid for a period of time
specified by the Division. D. The Commissioner may issue permits to maintain without formal
application in order to avoid danger or hazard to persons or property in
emergency situations requiring immediate maintenance of a City tree;
provided, that a formal application shall be filed within seventy-two hours
of starting such emergency action. If in such an emergency the Commissioner
or a representative of the Division cannot be reached, it shall be lawful to
perform the necessary emergency maintenance required; provided, the person
performing such emergency maintenance shall report such action to the
Commissioner within seventy-two hours of starting such maintenance. E. Any application for a permit to maintain shall identify the person
performing the work, and only that person may perform the work authorized by
the permit. If after a permit to maintain is issued the identity of such
person changes, the permit holder shall contact the Division for approval to
amend the permit within forty-eight hours prior to the start of the work, or
immediately if the change occurs after work has begun. F. The Commissioner may issue a general permit to maintain trees to
public and private utility companies for a period not to exceed two years;
provided the company's pruning or maintenance specifications comply with all
other provisions of this chapter and other applicable rules and regulations;
and provided that the removal of any City tree shall be specifically
approved in advance in writing by the Commissioner. Pruning of branches of
City trees under such a permit shall be done in accordance with the most
recent edition of American National Standard Institute for Tree Care
Operations - Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance Standard
Practices (Pruning) (ANSI A300 Part 1). 22.48.120 Permit conditions, denial and revocation. A. The Commissioner shall: 1. Establish, by regulation pursuant to Section 22.48.260, reasonable
conditions on which permits to plant or maintain are to be issued,
performed and completed. 2. Deny the issuance of any permit under any section of this chapter
if, in his judgment, issuing said permit is not in the best interest of
the City in the maintenance, preservation, sustainability and/or health of
its urban forest. The Commissioner's decision to deny an issuance of a
permit may be appealed in writing within 10 days of such denial to the
Director, whose decision shall be final. B. The Commissioner may suspend or revoke any permit should the
permittee at any time fail to comply with the conditions of the permit.
Upon suspension all work must cease until the conditions of the permit are
met. C. A permittee who fails to comply with the conditions of a permit
shall be deemed in violation of this section and subject to the penalties
prescribed in Section 22.48.240(A), and to any repair and replacement
costs defined in Section 22.48.240(B) required to repair, replace or
restore any element or feature of landscape, hardscape or infrastructure. D. Any person performing work under a permit shall have in their
possession and produce upon request by the Commissioner all licenses to
operate within the City required by law or other applicable ordinances. E. Any permittee assumes all liability and risk relating to or arising
out of any work performed or undertaken under a permit, and all permits
shall expressly so provide, and shall further provide that the permittee
agrees to indemnify the City for claim, liability or damage which the City
may incur as a result of the issuance of the permit or any action or
omission under the permit. F. Any person found by the Commissioner to have knowingly falsified or
concealed information on a permit application shall have their permit
application denied, or, if a permit has been issued it shall be revoked.
Any such falsification or concealment is a violation of this chapter. 22.48.130 Permit fees. A. There shall be no fee for a permit to plant, or for a permit to
maintain which does not involve removal of a City tree. B. The Commissioner shall assess, for the privilege of removing a City
tree, a reforestation fee for each City tree approved for removal on a
permit to maintain application, as provided in this section. The
Commissioner may waive such fee for good cause. C. The reforestation fee for removal of trees shall be determined as
follows: 1. For trees less than 8 inches in size at diameter breast height, the
fee shall be the retail cost to the Forestry Division to purchase a tree
of 2.5 to 3 inches in caliper size of similar canopy type of the tree
removed. 2. For trees that exceed 8 inches in size at diameter breast height,
the fee shall be the retail cost to the Forestry Division to purchase a
tree of 2.5 to 3 inches in caliper size of similar canopy type of the tree
removed plus the cost to purchase an additional tree 2.5 to 3 inches in
caliper size for every additional 6 inches of size at diameter breast
height. For example, the reforestation fee for removal of a tree 20 inches
in diameter breast height would be the cost of 3 trees as provided in this
sub- paragraph. 3. Multi-stemmed trees shall have the aggregate diameter of each of
their trunks used in determining their size. D. The Commissioner shall maintain a current schedule of such retail
costs and current values in the Division office and available to the public. E. Permit to maintain applications that will involve the removal of trees
shall be accompanied by the applicable reforestation fee, in full. The
reforestation fee must be paid in full to the Commissioner before a permit
to maintain will be issued pursuant to Section 22.48.100. The Commissioner
shall have the authority to waive the reforestation fees in his discretion,
for example for the removal of trees in poor condition or of species that
are considered undesirable or poorly located. 22.48.140 Tree clearance requirements. A. The Commissioner shall determine and maintain standards for
appropriate height and spatial clearances for all City trees so as to allow
the safe use or occupancy of the space around said tree. Such standards
shall include, but not be limited to, height and spatial clearances for
streets, sidewalks, alleys, building and other structures, traffic control
signs and devices, street and alley lights, public utility wires and
intersections and intersection approaches. B. The Commissioner shall determine and maintain standards for the growth
and maintenance of trees, shrubs and plants located on any lot or parcel or
land within the City so as to prevent the obstruction of vehicular or
pedestrian traffic, street corners, intersections and intersection
approaches, traffic control signs and devices and the safe passage of light. C. The Commissioner shall perform maintenance of trees, shrubs and plants
on City property for clearance in a manner consistent with the most widely
accepted arboricultural practices. D. In the event a standard provided under this section is changed, for
purposes of contracts, the applicable standard in effect at the time a
contract was made shall be used during the term of the contract. 22.48.150 Tree preservation and replacement. A. It is the policy of the City: 1. To suffer no net loss in the population and canopy of the urban
forest under its jurisdiction, as such losses would be detrimental to the
health, welfare, comfort and general well being of City residents by
reducing the benefits provided by the City's urban forest; 2. To preserve City trees whenever possible during development and land
improvement by using the most appropriate and feasible arboriculturally
sound methods to preserve City trees from injury and damage; and, where
City trees cannot be preserved during development or land improvement, to
plant appropriate replacement City trees as prescribed by this chapter;
and 3. To increase and expand the population and canopy of the urban forest
under its jurisdiction by planting new City trees whenever possible to
increase the total benefit provided by the City's urban forest. B. Any person issued a building permit shall be responsible for complying
with this section; provided, that fees required for a permit to maintain for
the removal of any City tree shall be the responsibility of the person
making application for said permit. In the event a building permit is not
issued for work which may affect City trees then the property owner shall be
responsible for complying with all provisions of this section. C. Any person employed, contracted or otherwise working on behalf of the
City shall be subject to all applicable provisions of this section. D. A permit to maintain for removal of a City tree as a result of the
demolition, renovation, improvement or erection of any building or
outbuilding or any type of improvement on any parcel of land in the City
must be issued pursuant to Section 22.48.100 of this chapter before such
tree can be removed by any person, including persons employed, contracting
with or otherwise working of behalf of the City and all conditions and fees
as prescribed in Sections 22.48.110 and 22.48.120 shall apply. Any person
who removes or causes to have removed a City tree without the prescribed
permit to maintain shall be deemed in violation of this section and subject
to a five hundred dollar fine for acting without a required permit, and to
an additional fine for destruction of City property equal to the applicable
reforestation fee under Section 22.48.120(A), (B) or (C) and any replacement
and repair costs as determined by Section 22.48.240, up to a maximum of five
hundred dollars for each tree regardless of their actual health and
desirability at the time of their removal. E. All reasonable steps shall be taken to prevent destruction of or
damage to City trees (other than City trees approved for removal), during
the improvement, demolition, renovation, improvement or erection of any
building or outbuilding or any type of improvement on any parcel of land in
the City. Such steps include, but are not limited to the following tree
preservation activities: 1. The placing of protective fencing at the boundary or limits of the
established critical root zone of each City tree that has been determined
by the Commissioner to have the potential of being injured during
construction or, in the absence of such determination by Commissioner,
within the area of construction. Such protective fencing shall be
installed before construction of any type is to begin, with a minimum
height of at least 4 feet and installed in such a manner that it maintains
its rigidity and effectiveness as a barrier. 2. Construction equipment, trailers, traffic and storage must remain
outside of the critical root zone of any City tree. 3. No materials, equipment, spoil, or waste or washout water may be
deposited, stored or parked within the critical root zone of any City
tree. 4. Erosion control devices such as silt fencing, debris basins and
water diversion structures shall be installed in such a manner to prevent
siltation and/or erosion within critical root zone of any City tree. 5. Spoil from trenches, basements, or other excavations shall not be
placed within the critical root zone of any City tree, either temporarily
or permanently. 6. No burn piles or debris pits shall be placed within the critical
root zone of any City tree. 7. No ashes, garbage or debris may be dumped or buried within the
critical root zone of any tree. 8. Any herbicides placed under paving materials must be safe for use
around trees and labeled for that use and not be readily transported by
water. 9. Any brush clearing required within the critical root zone of any
City tree shall be accomplished using hand-operated equipment and approved
by the Commissioner. 10. City trees shall be root pruned before grading, pad preparation or
excavation for foundations or walls or utility trenching occurs. Root
pruning requires a permit to maintain applied for and issued in accordance
with Section 22.48.100 and any other applicable section of this chapter.
Roots shall be root pruned to 1 foot outside of their critical root zone
and cut cleanly using either manual or mechanical methods such as
chainsaws, vibrating knife, rock saw, narrow trencher or other root
pruning equipment approved by the Commissioner. The use of any type of
equipment that otherwise tears, rips or pulls roots is not permissible. 11. All underground utilities and drain or irrigation lines shall be
routed around the critical root zone of City trees. If underground
utilities must pass through a critical root zone, they shall be tunneled
or bored under the tree for the duration of the critical root zone, unless
deemed unreasonable do so by the Commissioner. 12. City trees shall not be pruned or otherwise maintained in any
manner without a permit to maintain first being applied for and issued
pursuant to this chapter. F. The Commissioner by regulation issued pursuant to Section 22.48.260
may provide other practices and specifications necessary to effectively
preserve City trees at construction sites. G. Prior to the start of construction any person may request the
Commissioner to waive of any provisions of subsection (E) of this section
which they feel are unreasonable or impose undue financial hardship in the
completion of construction. No waiver request made after the start of
construction may be granted. The Commissioner's decision on any such waiver
request shall be final. H. The Commissioner is authorized to issue an emergency stop work order
for up to seventy-two hours if in the Commissioner's opinion the precautions
required by subsection (E) of this section were not undertaken before
construction commenced or are not maintained at any time during
construction. The Commissioner may rescind such order within twenty-four
hours if the violations for which the order was issued is remedied. If the
violations are not corrected within twenty-four hours after issuance of the
stop work order and the project is supervised by the Board of Public
Service, the Commissioner may request the Board of Public Service to issue a
permanent stop work order. Penalties, if any, levied by the Board of Public
Service shall be in addition to all fines and penalties imposed and
prescribed by this chapter. The Board of Public Service may issue a stop
work order at any time of its own volition to any person that fails to
comply with any requirement of subsection (E) of this section, until such
provisions are met, or may issue a permanent stop work order. I. Failure to obtain any permit required by this section, or to take any
precaution as prescribed in this section, before construction commences or
at any time during construction, is a violation of this chapter and
punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars for each precaution not
undertaken or maintained, in addition to any other applicable fine under
this chapter. J. Failure to stop work upon issuance of an emergency stop order by the
Commissioner or a stop work order by the Board of Public Service is a
violation of this chapter and punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars,
in addition to any other fines or penalties prescribed by this chapter. Each
full hour that work continues after the issuance of a stop work order is a
separate violation. K. Any person who damages any City tree, shrub or plant during
construction, demolition, renovation, improvement or erection of any
building or outbuilding or any type of improvement on any parcel of land is
in violation of this chapter and subject to a fine of two hundred fifty
dollars for each City tree, shrub or plant damaged, in addition to any other
penalties or fines applicable under this chapter. L. Any City department that plans to excavate, cut or otherwise remove or
damage roots within the critical root zone of any City tree shall, where
possible report the scheduled occurrence of such activities forty-eight
hours in advance to the Commissioner, who shall review such activities and
if available offer less damaging alternatives. In the event advance
notification cannot be provided, then the Commissioner shall be notified
within forty-eight hours of the occurrence of the root damage or removal so
an assessment can be performed to determine the health, stability and safety
of the affected tree. 22.48.160 Sewer damage. A. No City tree shall be removed or otherwise be treated because of sewer
related damage allegedly caused by such tree until the Commissioner has
reviewed the matter and approved the appropriateness of such removal or
treatment. B. No City tree shall be considered for removal by the Commissioner until
the alleged sewer related damage is substantiated by the submission of paid
bills or receipts by the property owner requesting the removal. Any such
bills or receipts must be determined by the Commissioner to be directly
attributable to root related damage. Any person who knowingly falsifies or
submits fraudulent bills or receipts is in violation of this chapter. C. The Commissioner may waive the requirements of subsection (B) of this
section of this chapter if the tree has been listed as undesirable for
street tree use under this chapter or is determined by the Commissioner to
be in an unsafe and/or unhealthy condition. D. Each City tree removed for sewer related damage shall be replaced with
three trees with a caliper size of no less than 2.5 inches per tree. The
species of such replacement trees shall be determined by the Commissioner.
The Commissioner, where site conditions permit, shall plant a replacement
tree at the site where the tree was removed and two additional Trees at
locations of his choosing within the ward where the tree removal occurred.
If the site of the tree removal is not suitable for a replacement tree then
a replacement tree shall be planted at a location within the ward where the
removal occurred, as determined by the Commissioner. The cost of said
replacement trees shall be charged by the Commissioner to the tree planting
account or similar account of the alderman of the ward where the removal
occurred. E. The Commissioner shall not proceed with the removal of any tree for
sewer related damage until sufficient funds are available for replacement
Trees pursuant to subsection (D), unless the safety or stability of the tree
is in question, or the need for removal is urgent in the judgment of the
Commissioner. 22.48.170 Sidewalk damage. A. It shall be the duty of property owners to notify the City when any
City tree located street adjacent to their property is believed to be
causing damage to any public sidewalk or other pedestrian thoroughfare. It
shall further be the duty of the property owner, in a timely manner to keep
the surface portion of such sidewalk or pedestrian thoroughfare free of
seed, leaf, twig and any other debris created and otherwise dropped by the
natural growth of the tree so as to allow the reasonable and safe passage of
pedestrian traffic. B. Where damage to a sidewalk or curb occurs due to the close proximity
or growth of City tree roots, the Division shall make every reasonable
effort to correct the problem without damaging or injuring the tree. C. In cases where tree removal is necessary, the Commissioner shall not
proceed with removing the tree until he receives confirmation from the
Street Division that it has scheduled the repairs, unless the safety or
stability of the tree, shrub or plant is in question, or the need for
removal is urgent in the judgment of the Commissioner. D. Each tree removed on City property for sidewalk related damage shall
be replaced with three (3) trees with a caliper size of no less than 2.5
inches per tree. The species of such replacement trees shall be at the
determination of the Commissioner. The locations of such replacement trees
shall be determined in like manner as are the locations of replacement trees
under Section 22.48.160(D). The cost of said replacement trees shall be
charged by the Commissioner to the tree planting account or similar account
of the alderman of the ward where the removal occurred. E. The Commissioner shall not proceed with the removal of any tree for
sidewalk related damage until sufficient funds are available for replacement
trees pursuant to subsection (D) of this section, unless the safety or
stability of the tree is in question, or the need for removal is urgent in
the judgment of the Commissioner. 22.48.180 Mutilation or theft of trees, shrubs or plants on City property. A. No person shall break, mutilate, injure, poison, destroy, remove or
otherwise alter or disrupt any tree, shrub or plant or any other related
vegetative improvement on City property. B. The practice of tree topping, defined as the practice of cutting back
branches of trees to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to
assume a terminal role, is prohibited on all City trees. The Commissioner's
determination on whether a tree has been topped or not shall be final. C. Except as provided in this section, no person shall fasten or attach
any wire, rope, sign, handbill or other thing to any tree, shrub or plant
growing on City property, nor to any guard or protection of such tree, shrub
or plant. D. No person shall without written permission of the Commissioner attach
any wire, insulator or support device of any nature used for
telecommunications or electric transmission or distribution to any tree,
shrub or plant growing on City property. E. No person shall without written permission of the Commissioner attach,
hang or suspend lights or lighting devices of any kind to any tree, shrub or
plant growing on City property. F. Lights or lighting devices of any kind which the Commissioner permits
to be attached, hung or suspended from any tree, shrub or plant must be
installed so as to be least damaging to the tree, shrub or plant as
prescribed by the Commissioner and cannot remain in the tree, shrub or plant
for longer than one hundred twenty days. The person permitted to install the
lights or lighting devices shall be responsible for removing them in a
manner least damaging to the tree, shrub or plant within the prescribed
period of time or be deemed in violation of this section. G. All lights or lightning devices that are in violation of this section
are hereby declared public nuisances and subject to treatment and abatement
as such by the Commissioner. H. Any person having any wire charged with electricity shall securely
fasten the same so that such wire shall not come in contact with any tree,
shrub or plant growing on City property. I. No person shall permit any toxic or injurious chemical or substance to
seep, drain or be emptied on or within the critical root zone of any City
tree. J. Without written permission from the Commissioner, no person shall
place or maintain upon the ground any stone, cement or other impervious
material or substance in such a manner as may obstruct the free access of
air and water within a City tree's critical root zone. Any stone, cement or
other impervious material placed or maintained in violation of this
subsection is hereby declared a public nuisance and subject to treatment and
abatement as such by the Commissioner. K. Without written permission from the Commissioner, it shall be unlawful
for any person to install grates or any other covering over the tree box or
well of any City tree. Such grates and other coverings shall be considered
an extension of the pedestrian walk which they adjoin and are the
responsibility of the adjacent property owner to maintain in a condition
that is safe for passing pedestrian traffic. L. No person shall maintain a grate or other covering over the tree box
or well of any City tree in a condition that is injurious to such tree or to
the safety of passing pedestrian traffic. Any grate or other covering found
in violation of this section is hereby declared a public nuisance and is
subject to treatment and abatement as such as by the Commissioner. M. Any person who violates subsection (B) of this section shall be
subject to a fine of five hundred dollars per affected tree. Any person
found in violation of any other provision of this section shall be subject
to the a fine of up to $500, including and any necessary repair and
replacement costs defined in Section 22.48.240 of this chapter required to
replace or restore the condition of the affected tree, plant, shrub or
landscape. 22.48.190 Treelawn and parkway planting requirements and criteria. A. The appearance and maintenance by adjacent owners of those portions of
street rights of way in the City, commonly referred to as the tree lawn,
have a substantial impact on the appearance of City neighborhoods and
streets and a significant relationship to property values. Deterioration of
street landscapes occurs when inappropriate plants and landscape items are
installed that are incompatible with the landscape of a given area,
neighborhood or business district or are not, or cannot be, maintained to
acceptable standards of appearance. This results in a reduction of property
values, poor appearance and the impairment of the public health, safety and
welfare. Therefore, the City declares it has a governmental interest in
regulating the types of vegetation and landscape items installed in its
street right of way and may establish criteria for the maintenance of said
items. Provided, this section shall not apply to the Division or to
contractors. B. Shrubs, plants and other landscape features or items now or hereafter
growing or set out, placed, planted or raised in the right of way of any
street or alley and on all City property by any person other than the City,
that are in violation of the provisions of this section are hereby declared
public nuisances and subject to treatment and abatement as such. The
Commissioner is hereby authorized to remove, trim or otherwise treat any
shrub, plant or landscape feature or item found in violation of this section
without warning or notification. C. The City, its officers and employees shall have no liability for
landscape features, shrubs, plants or other items placed or otherwise
installed in or on any City property by any person not acting under the
authority of a permit or on behalf of the City to install said items. The
person installing said items assumes all responsibility and liability for
their maintenance and upkeep unless otherwise provided by ordinance,
contract or other agreement. D. Fire hydrants shall have a clear area established around them which
shall consist of a circle 4 feet in radius measured from the center point at
the top of the hydrant and 6 feet in height as measured upwards from the
highest point of ground immediately adjacent to the hydrant. Vegetation of
any type that is intended to be grown or otherwise maintained at a height
that exceeds twelve inches shall not be planted or otherwise maintained in
such clear area. In addition, a clear unobstructed field of vision of not
less than thirty degrees from each side of a perpendicular line drawn from
the top of the fire hydrant to the nearest curb or street line must also
exist. Vegetation adjacent to the clear area prescribed in this subsection
shall be maintained in such a way that it does not overgrow or otherwise
overhang into such clear area. E. Water meter pits, vaults and service shutoffs shall have a clear area
established around them which shall consist of a circle two feet in diameter
measured from the center of the pit, vault or valve and extending six feet
in height as measured upwards from the highest point of ground immediately
adjacent to the pit, vault or valve. Vegetation of any type that is intended
to be grown or otherwise maintained at a height that exceeds twelve inches
shall not be planted or otherwise maintained in such clear area. Vegetation
adjacent to such clear area shall be maintained in such a way that it does
not overgrow or otherwise overhang into such clear area. F. The placement of any shrubs, plants or landscape features or items
with a maintainable mature height of more than twelve inches is prohibited
within fifteen feet from any street corner. G. Street light poles, public utility poles, traffic signals and street
signs of any type shall be kept free of all climbing or creeping vegetation. H. Climbing or creeping vegetation growing on any City tree is subject to
removal if deemed by the Commissioner to be detrimental to the tree's
continued growth or health. I. Any tree, shrub or plant that is known to possess features or growth
characteristics that make all or parts of them poisonous, allergenic or
invasive in nature shall be subject to immediate destruction and removal by
the Commissioner and shall be prohibited from use on any City property. Such
vegetation shall include but is not limited to Cirsium arvense (Canada
thistle), Convolvulus arvensis (Field bindweed), Sorghum halepense (Johnsongrass),
Pueraria lobata (kudzu), Rosa multiflora (Multiflora rose), Lythrum salicara
(purple loosestrife), Dipsacus fullonum (Common teasel), Dipsacus laciniatus
(Cutleaf teasel), Carduus nutans (Musk thistle), Onopordum acanthium (Scotch
thistle), Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle), Lonicera morrowii
(Morrow's honeysuckle), Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle), Alliaria
petiolata (Garlic mustard), Toxicodendron Radicans (Poison ivy),
Toxicodendron diversilobum (Poison oak), Xanithium sp. (Cocklebur), Datura
stramonium (Jimsonweed) and any tree, shrub or plant that is determined by
the Commissioner to be alleopathic to adjacent City trees, shrubs or plants,
diseased or infested, an alternative host for a tree, shrub or plant disease
or habitat for a tree, shrub or plant disease vector. J. Any person who installs any tree, shrub or plant in violation of
subsections (D) through (I) of this section shall be subject to a fine of
one hundred dollars for each tree or shrub planted in addition to removal,
replacement or remediation costs as provided for in Section 22.48.240. K. The installation, construction or erection of raised planters or
landscape walls around the trunks of trees after their installation is
detrimental to the long term health of trees and is hereby prohibited around
any City tree unless approved by the Commissioner. The use of ornamental or
landscape edging is prohibited around City trees unless it is located far
enough way so as not to cut into the root flare of the tree or restrict or
impede its growth, does not extend more than four inches above the soil line
at its highest point, and does not entail soil excavation greater than a
trench or hole six inches wide and three inches deep as measured from the
soil line. L. Any person wishing to install, place, or construct any non-vegetative
landscape feature or item, including but not limited to raised planters,
retaining walls, decorative or ornamental rocks, fencing or any kind of
landscape rock within any street or alley right of way in the City shall
first obtain a landscape permit from the Commissioner authorizing such
items. M. Any person wishing to install and plant a "landscape bed",
hereby defined as a grouping of plants of similar or dissimilar type in an
area of landscape that is more or less continuous in nature and greater than
nine square feet in size in any street or alley right of way in the City,
shall first obtain a landscape permit authorizing such bed from the
Commissioner. N. The issuance of landscape permits under this section shall be in
accordance with any applicable provisions of Section 22.48.120. O. Any person that fails to obtain a landscape permit as required by
subsection (M) of this section commits a violation of this chapter
punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars plus any removal, replacement or
remediation costs as provided for in Section 22.48.240. P. The disturbance of the critical root zone of any City tree, with the
exception of trees already planned or otherwise authorized for removal by
the Commissioner, by any tillage method, hand or mechanical, for the purpose
of installing landscape plants, features or items is prohibited, unless
expressly approved and monitored by the Commissioner. 22.48.200 Private tree hazards. A. Any tree in the City determined by the Commissioner to be: 1. Dead, defective, diseased, infested or decayed and to threaten real
property or users thereof; or 2. Alleopathic to adjacent City trees or an alternative host for a tree
disease or a habitat or breeding habitat for a tree disease vector; or 3. Not grown or otherwise maintained by the property owner to meet all
applicable tree clearance standards provided for by Section 22.48.140 is
hereby declared a public nuisance and subject to treatment and abatement
as such by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall be authorized to order
the treatment and abatement of any such tree. After thirty days of said
order being issued the Commissioner may enter upon any lot or parcel of
land within the City for the purpose of treating or abating such nuisance
and may bill the owner pursuant to subsection (T) of this section. B. The Commissioner shall serve treatment and abatement orders, as
authorized in this section, to property owners found in violation of this
section by personal service, or by U.S. mail to the person to whom was sent
the tax bill for general taxes for the preceding year, or to the current
owner of record. Such notice shall identify the street address of the
property, the problem conditions, and what is required of the property owner
to be in compliance with this section and/or Section 22.48.140. C. Any notice served on a property owner by the Commissioner under the
provisions of this section may be appealed to the Board of Public Service
whose decision in the matter shall be final. Any appeal from an order of the
Commissioner under this section must be filed within ten days of receipt of
such order on such forms as may be determined by the Commissioner and
approved by the Board of Public Service. D. The Commissioner shall bill the owner of any lot or parcel of land on
which the City or a City contractor abates or treats any tree under the
provisions of this section for the cost of such abatement and/or treatment.
Any such bill issued by the Commissioner pursuant to this section that is
unpaid ninety (90) days after it is first mailed may be sent to a collection
agency for collection and shall bear interest at the rate allowed by law for
judgment in civil actions. E. All monies collected as provided in subsection (D) of this section
shall be transmitted daily to the Treasurer of the City of St. Louis in the
form and manner prescribed by the Comptroller. F. When the condition of a tree is such that the Commissioner believes it
is in imminent danger of falling or is creating an immediate hazard to the
safety of the general public which is too great a risk to leave uncorrected
while standard procedures for giving notice are followed, the Commissioner
may, in his discretion enter onto any lot or parcel of land in the City and
abate or otherwise remediate the condition without following said
procedures. G. Any owner of a lot or parcel of land upon who fails to comply with an
order issued from the Commissioner pursuant to this section within thirty
days of receipt of such order violates this section and shall be punishable
by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars. 22.48.210 Private tree disclaimer. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed or construed to relieve the owner
of any private property from the duty to keep and maintain any tree located
on their property in a condition such as to prevent it from becoming a
hazard to adjacent private and public property; and to prevent it from
becoming a hazard or an impediment to travel or vision upon any street,
alley, sidewalk or other public place in the City, or to impose any
liability upon the City, its officers or employees in connection with any
tree located on private property. 22.48.220 Enforcement. A. The Commissioner shall be responsible for the administration and
implementation of this chapter. He may serve notice to any person in
violation thereof and may report violations to the Police Department and
City Counselor for appropriate proceedings, which are each hereby directed
to take all appropriate actions to assist in the enforcement of this
chapter. B. In instances where a person is found to be maintaining or removing or
destroying a City tree in the absence of an appropriate permit for such
action in their possession, the Police Department shall require such person
to cease such operations until the necessary permit and/or certification is
obtained pursuant to this chapter. 22.48.230 Interference. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person: A. To impede, hinder, delay or interfere with the Commissioner or the
Division or any person acting under the Commissioner's authority in the
administration or enforcement of any provision of this chapter. B. To impede, hinder, delay or interfere with the Commissioner or his
subordinates while engaged in the planting, pruning, spraying,
cultivating, maintaining or removal of any tree, shrub or plant located on
City property. C. To impede, hinder, delay or interfere the Commissioner or his
subordinates from entering onto private property for the purposes of
carrying out their lawful duties under this chapter. D. To impede, hinder, delay or interfere with a Contractor in the
fulfillment of his contractual obligations for the planting, pruning,
spraying, cultivating, maintaining or removal of any tree, shrub or plant
located on City property. E. To impede, hinder, delay or interfere with a contractor in the
fulfillment of his contractual obligations from entering onto private
property for the purposes of carrying out his lawful duties. 22.48.240 Penalty; replacement and repair costs. A. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, any person who violates
any provision of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of not less than
one hundred dollars and not exceeding five hundred dollars or by
imprisonment up to thirty (30) days, or both such fine and imprisonment for
each separate offense. All such violations that are of a continuing nature
shall constitute a separate offense for each day the violation continues.
If, as a result of the violation, the injury, mutilation or death of a tree,
shrub or plant located on City property occurs, the cost of the repair
and/or replacement as provided in subsection (B) of this section shall be
included in the calculation of the fine, up to the maximum of five hundred
dollars. B. Where this chapter provides that the replacement and repair costs for
trees, shrubs or plants shall be assessed as a fine or penalty, said costs
shall be calculated by the Commissioner as follows: 1. Replacement and repair costs for trees less than 10 inches in size
at diameter breast height or with an aggregate diameter of less than 15
inches at diameter breast height shall be the retail price of a similar or
same sized and species tree plus the equipment and labor costs required by
the Division or any contractor or person acting on behalf of the Division
to remove and replace said tree. 2. Replacement and repair costs for trees that exceed 10 inches in size
at diameter breast high or with an aggregate diameter of larger than 15
inches shall be their value, as determined using the most recent edition
of the Guide for Plant Appraisal as prepared by the Council of Landscape
Appraisers, plus the equipment and labor costs required by the Division or
any contractor or person acting on behalf of the Division to remove and
replace said tree. 3. Costs to repair or remediate tree, shrub or plant damage and/or the
repair, replacement or restoration of any element or feature of landscape,
hardscape or infrastructure shall be determined based upon the equipment,
labor and material costs for the Division and/or other City departments or
public agencies required to perform said services or the equipment, labor
and material costs of any contractor performing such services. 4. Shrubs and plants shall have their value determined by the retail
price of a shrub or plant of a similar size and species, plus the
equipment and labor costs required to remove and replace said shrub or
plant by the Division or by a contractor. 5. In lieu of prosecution for a violation of this chapter, the
Commissioner is authorized to bill any person who causes expense to the
City as calculated under this section, and to refer such bill which is
unpaid ninety days after it is first mailed to a collection agent for
collection, subject to applicable law. 22.48.250 Injunctive relief. Whenever there exists reasonable cause to believe that any person is
violating any provision of this chapter or any term, condition or provision
of an approved permit, the City may, either before or after the institution
of any other action or proceeding authorized by this chapter, institute an
action for a mandatory or prohibitory injunction and/or an order of
abatement as the City deems appropriate in the circumstances. Injunctive
relief under this section shall not relieve any person from any otherwise
applicable fine or penalty. 22.48.260 Regulations. A. The Commissioner is authorized to issue regulations as provided by
this section. Any such regulations shall be consistent with this chapter and
other applicable law, and shall be subject to approval prior to issuance by
the Director, the Board of Public Service and the City Counselor's office.
Any such regulations shall be kept on file at the Division's office and in
the City Register's office. B. Such regulations may address the following matter or subjects: 1. Whether, consistent with sound biological science, any particular
type of vegetation shall be classified as a plant, shrub, tree or weed for
purposes of this chapter; 2. Conditions for permits issued pursuant to Sections 22.48.100 and
22.48.110; 3. Standards for appropriate height and spatial clearances for City
trees, as contemplated by Section 22.48.140(A) and for the growth and
maintenance of trees, shrubs and plants anywhere within the City so as to
prevent obstruction, as contemplated by Section 22.48.140(B); 4. Rules for protection of City trees at construction sites, in
addition to the provisions of Section 22.48.150; 5. Poisonous, allergenic or invasive plants in addition those
prohibited by Section 22.48.190. Return to Top of Charter, Code, and Ordinances.
Chapter 22.48
Division of Forestry
22.48.020 Rules of construction, definitions.
22.48.030 Applicability; park trees.
22.48.040 Commissioner of forestry.
22.48.050 Administrative responsibilities.
22.48.060 Employees.
22.48.070 Authority.
22.48.080 Tree placement and planting.
22.48.090 Tree planting.
22.48.100 Permit required to plant.
22.48.110 Permit to maintain required.
22.48.120 Permit conditions, denial and revocation.
22.48.130 Permit fees.
22.48.140 Tree clearance requirements.
22.48.150 Tree preservation and replacement.
22.48.160 Sewer damage.
22.48.170 Sidewalk damage.
22.48.180 Mutilation or theft of trees, shrubs or plants on City property.
22.48.190 Treelawn and parkway planting requirements and criteria.
22.48.200 Private tree hazards.
22.48.210 Private tree disclaimer.
22.48.220 Enforcement.
22.48.230 Interference.
22.48.240 Penalty; replacement and repair costs.
22.48.250 Injunctive relief.
22.48.260 Regulations.
(Ord. No. 68607, § 1, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 3, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 4, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 5, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 6, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 7, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 8, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 9, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 10, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 11, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 12, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 13, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 14, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 15, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 16, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 17, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 18, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 19, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 20, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 21, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 22, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 23, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 24, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 25, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 26, 3-16-2010.)
(Ord. No. 68607, § 27, 3-16-2010.)
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