G73-97 w ►
CITY OF ELGIN
ORDINANCE NO. G73-97
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, 1976, AS AMENDED,
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF
TREES
ADOPTED BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN
ON THIS 3RD DAY OF DECEMBER 1997
Published in pamphlet form by authority of
the City Council of the City of Elgin, Kane
and Cook Counties, Illinois, on this 4th
day of December, 1997.
r
r
STATE OF ILLINOIS )
ss.
COUNTY OF KANE )
CERTIFICATE
I, Dolonna Mecum, certify that I am the duly appointed and acting
municipal clerk of the City of Elgin, Cook and Kane Counties, Illinois.
I further certify that on December 3, 1997, the Corporate Authorities of
such municipality passed and approved Ordinance No. G73-97, entitled An Ordinance
Amending the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as Amended, for the Establishment of
Guidelines for the Preservation of Trees, which provided by its terms that it should be
published in pamphlet form.
The pamphlet form of Ordinance No. G73-97, including the Ordinance
and a cover sheet thereof, was prepared, and a copy of such Ordinance was posted
in the municipal building, commencing on December 4, 1997, and continuing for at
least ten days thereafter. Copies of such Ordinance were also available for public
inspection upon request in the office of the municipal clerk.
DATED at Elgin, Illinois, on December 4, 1997.
W49-74,..40
Municipal Clerk
(SEAL)
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Ordinance No. G73-97
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, 1976 , AS AMENDED, FOR THE
.ESTABLISHMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF TREES
WHEREAS, the maintenance, preservation, establishment and
replacement of the natural resources of the City of Elgin are
essential to the quality of life of its citizens ; and
WHEREAS, trees constitute an integral and highly visible
component of such natural resources ; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is committed to the protection
of its natural resources ; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of guidelines for the
preservation, maintenance, replacement and establishment of
trees throughout the City of Elgin will aid in maintaining the
quality of the natural resources of the City of Elgin.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That Chapter 13 . 20 entitled "Trees and Shrubs"
of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976 , as amended, be and is hereby
further amended by adding Section 13 . 20 . 005 to read as follows :
elk 13 . 20 . 005 GUIDELINES .
The director of the department of parks and
recreation shall establish and maintain suggested
guidelines for the maintenance, preservation and
replacement of trees throughout the city. Such
suggested guidelines shall be maintained on file for
public inspection as may be amended by the director
of the department of parks and recreation from time
to time . The aforementioned guidelines shall not be
mandatory, but shall be applicable to relevant
provisions contained in the Elgin Municipal Code,
including, but not necessarily limited to:
TITLE 9
HEALTH AND SAFETY
EMC 9 . 20 Dutch Elm Disease
TITLE 13
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
EMC 13 . 20 Trees and Shrubs
ek
TITLE 18
SUBDIVISIONS
EMC 18 . 16 Preliminary Plat
Section 18 . 16 . 020 (G) - Identify existing
conditions including trees of twelve inch diameter or
more.
Section 18 . 16 . 030 (G) ( 3 ) - Landscape plan
required to be submitted with application for planned
development.
EMC 18 . 24 Design Standards
Section 18 . 24 . 0660 (F) ( 2 ) - Double frontage lots
shall have an additional depth of at least twenty
feet to allow for a protective screen planting on one
frontage.
Section 18 . 24 . 060 (H) - When subdividing land,
due regard shall be shown for all natural features,
such as natural vegetation, watercourses , historic
designations, or similar conditions .
e,, EMC 18 . 28 Required Improvements
Section 18 . 28 . 050 (J) - Planting requirements
for street trees in urban residential , commercial ,
and industrial subdivisions .
Section 18 . 28 . 060 (B) ( 3 ) ( f) - Planting require-
ment for street trees in estate residential subdivi-
sions .
TITLE 19
ZONING
EMC 19 . 12 Site Design
Section 19 . 12 . 700 - Minimum required landscaping
for transition landscape yards , vehicle use area
landscape yards, and interior landscape yards; and
specifications for plant materials .
EMC 19 . 45 Off Street Parking
Section 19 . 45 . 150 - Vehicle use area setbacks
and landscape yards required to be landscaped in
accordance with the provisions contained in EMC 19 . 12
Site Design.
row EMC 19 . 60 Planned Developments
Section 19 . 60 . 040 (J) - Standard addressing the
suitability of the intended planned development with
respect to preservation of all significant natural
features , including vegetation.
Section 19 . 60 . 160 (G) ( 2 ) - Requirement to
identify with the planned development application,
existing conditions within the property and to a
distance of 100 feet beyond the property, including
trees of six inch diameter or more.
Section 19 . 60 . 160 (J) - Requirement to submit
with the planned development application, a
landscaping plan.
EMC: 19 . 65 Conditional Uses
Section 19 . 65 . 040 (D) ( 3 ) - Requirement to submit
with the conditional use application, a landscaping
plan.
Section 2 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are
eft hereby repealed.
Section 3 . That this ordinance shall be in full force and
effect ten days after its passage and publication in the manner
provided by law.
Kevin Kelly, Mayo,
Presented: December 3, 1997
Passed: December 3 , 1997
Vote: Yeas 7 Nays 0
Recorded: December 4 , 1997
Published : December 4 , 1997
Attest :
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
Ordinance No. G73-97
AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING THE ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, 1976, AS AMENDED, FOR THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF GUIDELINES FOR THE PRESERVATION OF TREES
WHEREAS, the maintenance, preservation, establishment and
replacement of the natural resources of the City of Elgin are
essential to the quality of life of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, trees constitute an integral and highly visible
component of such natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is committed to the protection
of its natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of guidelines for the
preservation, maintenance, replacement and establishment of
trees throughout the City of Elgin will aid in maintaining the
quality of the natural resources of the City of Elgin.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS :
Section 1 . That Chapter 13 .20 entitled "Trees and Shrubs"
of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, as amended, be and is hereby
further amended by adding Section 13 .20 . 005 to read as follows :
13 .20 . 005 GUIDELINES .
The director of the department of parks and
recreation shall establish and maintain suggested
guidelines for the maintenance, preservation and
replacement of trees throughout the city. Such
suggested guidelines shall be maintained on file for
public inspection as may be amended by the director
of the department of parks and recreation from time
to time. The aforementioned guidelines shall not be
mandatory, but shall be applicable to relevant
provisions contained in the Elgin Municipal Code,
including, but not necessarily limited to:
TITLE 9
HEALTH AND SAFETY
EMC 9 .20 Dutch Elm Disease
TITLE 13
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
EMC 13 .20 Trees and Shrubs
TITLE 18
SUBDIVISIONS
EMC 18 . 16 Preliminary Plat
Section 18 . 16 . 020 (G) - Identify existing
conditions including trees of twelve inch diameter or
more .
Section 18 . 16 . 030 (G) (3) - Landscape plan
required to be submitted with application for planned
development .
EMC 18 .24 Design Standards
Section 18 .24 . 060 (F) (2) - Double frontage lots
shall have an additional depth of at least twenty
feet to allow for a protective screen planting on one
frontage .
Section 18 .24 . 060 (H) - When subdividing land,
due regard shall be shown for all natural features,
such as natural vegetation, watercourses, historic
designations, or similar conditions .
EMC 18 .28 Required Improvements
Section 18 .28 . 050 (J) - Planting requirements
for street trees in urban residential, commercial,
and industrial subdivisions .
Section 18 . 28 . 060 (B) (3) (f) - Planting require-
ment for street trees in estate residential subdivi-
sions .
TITLE 19
ZONING
EMC 19 . 12 Site Design
Section 19 . 12 . 700 - Minimum required landscaping
for transition landscape yards, vehicle use area
landscape yards, and interior landscape yards; and
specifications for plant materials .
EMC 19 .45 Off Street Parking
Section 19 .45 . 150 - Vehicle use area setbacks
and landscape yards required to be landscaped in
accordance with the provisions contained in EMC 19 . 12
Site Design.
EMC 19 . 60 Planned Developments
Section 19 . 60 . 040 (J) - Standard addressing the
suitability of the intended planned development with
respect to preservation of all significant natural
features, including vegetation.
Section 19 . 60 . 160 (G) (2) - Requirement to
identify with the planned development application,
existing conditions within the property and to a
distance of 100 feet beyond the property, including
trees of six inch diameter or more .
Section 19 . 60 . 160 (J) - Requirement to submit
with the planned development application, a
landscaping plan.
EMC 19 . 65 Conditional Uses
Section 19 . 65 . 040 (D) (3) - Requirement to submit
with the conditional use application, a landscaping
plan.
Section 2 . That all ordinances or parts of ordinances in
conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be and are
hereby repealed.
Section 3 . That this ordinance shall be in full force and
effect ten days after its passage and publication in the manner .
provided by law.
s/ Kevin Kelly
Kevin Kelly, Mayor
Presented: December 3 , 1997
Passed: December 3 , 1997
Vote: Yeas 7 Nays 0
Recorded: December 4, 1997
Published: December 4 , 1997
Attest :
s/ Dolonna Mecum
Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk
<0ofEzc,
a City of Elgin Agenda Item No. 0 - 7
,
November 21 , 1997
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Robert O. Malm, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Tree Ordinance
PURPOSE
Consider the purpose of the memorandum is to provide the Mayor
and Members of the City Council with information of an
ordinance amending the Elgin Municipal Code to provide for the
establishment of guidelines for the maintenance, preservation
and replacement of trees .
BACKGROUND
At the September 10, 1997 Committee of the Whole Meeting,
City Council requested staff to develop a tree ordinance
referencing all sections of the Elgin Municipal Code
regulating trees, and authorizing the establishment of
guidelines for the maintenance, preservation, and replacement
of trees .
The attached ordinance references all sections of the Elgin
Municipal Code regulating trees . The ordinance authorizes the
Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation to
establish and maintain guidelines for the maintenance,
preservation and replacement of trees throughout the city.
The City of Elgin has been recognized as a Tree City USA for
the last six years . The National Arbor Day Foundation has
bestowed this recognition on the City with the understanding
that a tree ordinance was being developed.
COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Ordinance review
committee.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None.
Tree Ordinance
November 21 , 1997
Page 2
LEGAL IMPACT
None .
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives are to:
1 . Adopt the ordinance as proposed.
2 . Modify the proposed ordinance.
3 . Reject the proposed ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION
The ordinance requested by the City Council has been prepared
and is provided for consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Monica Meyers, Director
Parks and Recreation
/'
Rob4.t O. Malm
Interim City Manager
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CONTENTS
Preface 1
Introduction and Goals 2
Ordinance Applicability, Submission
Requirements, and Permit Processing 4
Landscape Requirements 5
Parkway Planting Requirements 5
Vehicle Use Area Screening Requirements 9
Vehicle Use Area Internal Planting Requirements 9
Transition Yard Landscaping Requirements 9
Planting, Maintenance
and Removal Standards 11
Plant Materials - Generally 11
Plant Materials - Size 11
Tree Removal - Guidelines 12
Tree Pruning - Guidelines 12
Tree Removal/Pruning - Cost 13
Supervision 13
Insurance 13
Tree and Landscape Conservation 14
Appendices
1 . Definitions and Terms 15
2 . Tree Protection Techniques 18
3 . Contributing Trees 19
4 . Landscape Maintenance Schedule 22
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
•
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Parkway Planting, Isometric 6
Figure 2 Parkway Planting Location Standards 8
Figure 3 Parkway Planting, Section 10
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
PREFACE
Why Landscape Requirements?
Ordinances reflect the values of a community, the values its
residents believe are worth protecting to maintain their quality
of life and an environment that is both safe and pleasant. A
community' s trees and other landscapes are very much the kind of
community asset that deserves to be protected and managed for
the common good. Trees and other landscapes should be
considered as important a part of the community' s infrastructure
as are streets, sidewalks and utilities .
Landscape requirements encourage beautification, air cooling and
purification, noise abatement, enhanced property values and the
other attributes of landscaping within a community. Landscape
requirements enable the community to prevent and control the
spread of diseases through the urban forest, to preserve trees
and landscaping in the path of development, and to avoid
unnecessary costs associated with sewer clogging, sidewalk
replacement and landscape-related incidents . Landscape
requirements also provide direction for plant care and help
control unscrupulous or careless operators .
The Value of Trees and Other Landscapes
The reasons for protecting trees and other landscapes are many
and varied. Trees and other landscapes have aesthetic,
environmental and economic value. They have long been valued
for their visual beauty. They bring a human scale to the built
environment by reducing the distortions of height and space
created by large buildings, parking lots and roadways .
Scientific research has documented the value of trees and other
landscapes in controlling air pollution, moderating climate,
reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. Communities
are recognizing the economic benefits of trees and other
landscapes in establishing a positive community image that can
be important in attracting new businesses, in improving real
estate values, and saving money on everything from energy costs
to water supply.
Communities with established and well-managed landscapes are
often viewed as places with a sense of pride, and as special
places to live and work. The value of trees and other
landscapes ranges from scenic and visual to important health and
environmental benefits, and economic gain as well .
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
Introduction CHAPTER ONE
and Goals
The "Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements" (hereinafter
refered to as the "Guide" ) is the official set of guidelines
promulgated by the Director of the Department of Parks and
Recreation to achieve the objectives of the landscape
regulations codified in Title 18 - Subdivisions and Title 19 -
Zoning of the Elgin Municipal Code.
GOALS
The goals of this guide include:
o A greener more beautiful city
o Attractive tree-lined streets and boulevards
o Screening of parking lots and other vehicle use areas
o Landscaping of parking lots and other vehicle use areas
o Reduced heat, noise, air, and water pollution
o Increased property values
REQUIREMENTS
The requirements and recommendations contained in these
guidelines fall into five categories, including:
o Tree conservation and replacement
o Parkway planting(trees and other plantings in the public
right-of-way)
o Vehicle use area screening(tree planting and screening on
the perimeter of parking lots, service areas, and vehicle
storage areas)
o Vehicle use area internal planting(tree planting and
other landscaping within parking lots and service areas)
o Transition yard landscaping(tree planting and screening
to buffer nonresidential uses from adjoining residential
neighborhoods)
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements Z
Maintenance responsibilities of required landscaping and the
responsibilty to replace poorly maintained trees and other
landscape materials are described in this Guide.
GOOD PRACTICES
In addition to the requirements and recommendations described in
this Guide, good practices which exceed the minimum requirements
or provide creative solutions to unusual or unique problems are
encouraged. These practices are addressed in the appropriate
sections of this Guide.
STATUS OF THE GUIDE
This Guide describes landscape requirements codified in Title 18
- Subdivisions and Title 19 - Zoning, and includes
recommendations promulgated by the Director of the Department of
Parks and Recreation to achieve the objectives of those
requirements . This Guide supplements the Elgin landscape
requirements with further written and illustrative explanations .
In the event that any provision of this Guide conflicts with the
Elgin landscape requirements or other requirements of the Elgin
Municipal Code, the applicable ordinance shall govern.
From time to time, the Director of the Department of Parks and
Recreation may amend this Guide to further the objectives of the
Elgin landscape requirements . The Departments of Code
Administration and Neighborhood Affairs, Engineering, and
Planning shall review any proposed amendment, and the Elgin City
Council shall adopt all amendments .
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
Ordinance Applicability, Submission CHAPTER TWO
Requirements, and Permit Processing
(this chapter will describe review and approval processes for
landscaping elements associated with new subdivisions and
planned developments, Title 18 - Subdivisions, site plans, Title
19 - Zoning, and infill planting along streets, Title 13 -
Streets and Sidewalks) .
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
4
Landscape Requirements CHAPTER THREE
PARKWAY PLANTING REQUIREMENTS
This section describes requirements for parkway planting (street
trees) in new subdivisions and planned developments, including
tree spacing, tree survey and landscape plan requirements, and
location standards . The tree spacing and location standards
also apply to planting street trees within existing parkways.
A. Street Trees - Required in New Subdivisions and Planned
Developments. Street trees shall be planted along both
sides of all streets in new subdivisions and planned
developments in accordance with approved landscape plans and
specifications (see Figure 1, "Parkway Planting,
Isometric" ) . Trees shall either be massed or be spaced
evenly along the street, or both. When trees are spaced
evenly along the street, spacing shall depend on tree size,
as follows :
Mature Tree Height Planting Interval
(in feet) (in feet)
Large trees (40 '+) (SR) 40 ' - 60 ' apart
Medium trees(30 ' - 40 ' ) (SR) 30 ' - 50 ' apart
Small trees(to 30 ' ) (SR) 20 ' - 40 ' apart
Trees shall be planted so as to not interfere with
utilities, roadways, sidewalks, line of sight control areas
(SR) , street signs, and street lights . Street tree
location, landscaping design, and a spacing plan shall be
approved by the City Council as part of a subdivision or
planned development approval .
B. Tree Survey and Landscape Plan. Preliminary engineering
plans and specifications submitted in support of a
subdivision or planned development plan shall include a tree
survey locating and identifying the type and condition of
all trees measuring twelve inches in diameter or larger at
breast height, and the furthest extent of the drip line of
any wooded areas within the development site. The tree
survey shall be prepared under the supervision of a
International Society of Aboriculture (ISA) certified
arborist. The preliminary engineering plans and
specifications shall include a landscape plan showing the
size, type, and location of street trees; and shall include
specifications for tree selection, planting, and
maintenance. In addition, the landscape plan shall locate
and describe landscaped entryway signs and screening
treatment on double frontage lots (SR) . The approved
landscape plan and specifications shall be attached to and
made a part of the final engineering plans and
specifications.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements C
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Figure 1. Parkway Planting,Isomet-
ric.This shows the lateral spacing of
trees and the separation of bees
from other parkway improvements.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
C. Location Standards. New street trees are prohibited in the
following locations :
1. Intersections . New street trees are prohibited from
being planted within the following minimum distances to
intersections of streets, alleys, and driveways (see
Figure 2, "Parkway Planting Location Standards") :
a. Alley, near side (SR) 20 ' - 0"
b. Alley, far side (SR) 10 ' - 0"
c. Driveway (ind/com) , near side 20 ' - 0"
d. Driveway ( ind/com) , far side 10 ' - 0"
e. Driveway (res) , near/far sides 10 ' - 0"
f. Street, near side 30 ' - 0"
g. Street, far side 20 ' - 0"
h. Street (median) , near/far sides 30 ' - 0"
2 . Sidewalks, Curbs, Utilities, and other Structures . New
street trees are prohibited from being planted within the
following minimum distances to sidewalks, curbs,
utilities, and other structures :
a. Buildings
spreading trees (SR) 15 ' - 0"
global/pyramidal trees (SR) 12 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees (SR) 9 ' - 0"
b. Building exits 10 ' - 0"
c. Courtesy walks 3 ' - 0"
d. Curbs (measured from vertical face) 3 ' - 0"
e. Fire escapes 10 ' - 0"
f . Fire hydrants 5 ' - 0"
g. Manholes and catchbasins 5 ' - 0"
h. Pedestrian lights (max. 15 ' ht. )
spreading trees 15 ' - 0"
global/pyramid trees 15 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 10 ' - 0"
i . Pedestrian overpasses and tunnels 25 ' - 0"
j . Railroads (with approval within 100 ' ) 50 ' - 0"
k. Sidewalks 3 ' - 0"
1 . Street lights
spreading trees 25 ' - 0"
global/pyramidal trees 20 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 15 ' - 0"
m. Trees (existing)
spreading trees 25 ' - 0"
global/pyramidal trees 20 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 20 ' - 0"
n. Utility boxes 10 ' - 0"
o. Viaducts 50 ' - 0"
p. Wall hydrants, standpipes,
or siamese connections 10 ' - 0"
q. Other structures 30 ' - 0"
3 . Longitudinal Tree Spacing (SR) . Street trees shall be
spaced the following minimum distances from trees of
similar form:
spreading trees 25 ' - 0"
global/pyramidal trees 20 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 15 ' - 0"
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 7
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Figure 2.Parkway Planting Location
Standards.This illustrates the
distances that parkway trees must
be setback from any street inter-
section,driveway,or alley.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 8
4 . Lateral Tree Spacing (SR) . Street trees shall be spaced
the following minimum distances from the lateral edge of
the treebank (SR) area (see Figure 3, "Parkway Planting,
Section" ) :
a. No street tree shall be planted in the treebank more
than 10 ' - 0" from the right of way line of a collector
street (SR) or an arterial street (SR) .
b. Street trees shall be planted as close as possible to
the lateral center of the treebank, except where
permitted to accomodate future widening of the street.
c. Street trees shall be planted as close as possible to
the lateral center of medians, except where the
landscape plan calls for more than one row of trees .
Street trees planted in medians shall be planted a
minimum of 5 ' - 0" from the vertical face of the curb.
d. The following treebank elements shall have the
following minimum widths in order to accomodate street
trees :
Sidewalk (trees in pits) 9 ' - 0"
Median 10 ' - 0"
Treebank (grassed portion only) 6 ' - 0"
Sidewalk 5 ' - 0"
VEHICLE USE AREA SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
(will describe requirements for tree planting and screening
on the perimeter of parking lots, service areas, and vehicle
storage areas)
VEHICLE USE AREA INTERNAL PLANTING REQUIREMENTS
(will describe requirements for tree planting and other
landscaping within parking lots and service areas)
TRANSITION YARD LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS
(will describe requirements for tree planting and screening
to buffer nonresidential uses from adjoining residential
neighborhoods)
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements q
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Figure 3. Parkway Planting,Section.
This figure shows the Installation street
trees within the grassy portion of the
parkway.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 0
Planting, Maintenance, CHAPTER FOUR
and Removal Standards
This chapter describes requirements and standards for the
planting, maintenance, and removal of required trees and other
landscape materials .
A. Plant Materials - Generally. Trees and other landscape
materials installed as part of an approved site development
plan, subdivision or planned development shall meet the
standards of the "American Standard for Nursery Stock" , ANSI
Z60 . 1-1990, American Association of Nurserymen, most recent
edition. Plants shall meet all requirements of federal,
state, and local law with respect to plant type, labeling,
nursery or plant inspection, disease, insect, and other pest
infestation, and other requirements . Plants shall be high
quality nursery grown stock. No substandard "B Grade" or
"Park Grade" plants shall be acceptable. Plants shall have
been grown in a climate similar to the City of Elgin' s
climate (Zone 5 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness
Map) . No plant from a warmer climate shall be acceptable.
Plants shall be in a healthy, vigorous condition, free of
dead or broken branches, scars that are not completely
healed, frost cracks, disfiguring knots, or broken or
abraded bark. Plants shall have a full, even, and well
developed branching; and a dense, fibrous, and vigorous root
system.
B. Plant Materials - Size. At the time of installation, plant
materials shall meet or exceed the following minimum size
requirements:
1. Shade Trees. At the time of installation, required
shade trees (SR) shall measure not less than two and
one-half inches in diameter, measured six inches above the
ground, nor less than ten feet in height. Shade trees
shall be delivered balled-and-burlapped.
2. Evergreen and Ornamental Trees. At the time of
installation, required ornamental trees (SR) shall measure
not less than two inches in diameter, measured six inches
above the ground. Required (SR) evergreen trees shall
measure not less than six feet in height. Evergreen and
ornamental trees shall be delivered balled-and-burlapped.
3. Shrubs. At the time of installation, required deciduous
shrubs (SR) shall measure not less than 24 inches in
height, and required coniferous shrubs shall measure not
less than 18 inches in height, except as may be
specifically provided otherwise. Shrubs shall be
delivered balled-and-burlapped or in containers .
Container plants shall have been established for a minimum
of one growing season in their containers before
installation.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements !r
Trees and other landscape materials planted in the public right
of way or on any other public property; or specified on a
landscape plan approved as an element of a subdivision or
planned development, shall be planted, fertilized, staked,
pruned, watered, and mulched in accordance with specifications
issued by the City Forester. Unless funded as part of a City
tree planting program, the cost of planting trees and other
landscape materials shall be the responsibility of the developer
or adjacent landowner undertaking such activity.
Trees and other landscape materials planted in the public right
of way in accordance with a landscape plan approved as an
element of a subdivision or planned development shall be
maintained by the subdivider or developer of property adjoining
the public right of way prior to the date of City Council
acceptance of the public improvements, except as may be provided
otherwise. Maintenance includes weeding, mowing, trimming,
edging, cultivation, reseeding, plant replacement, fertilizing,
spraying, pest and insect control, and watering.
The subdivider or developer shall further guarantee the
replacement of dead or dying trees and other landscape materials
planted in a public right of way for a period of three years
following the date of City Council acceptance of the public
improvements . The guarantee shall be in the form of a written
indemnification agreement provided by the City and shall be
executed by the subdivider or developer prior to the City
Council acceptance of the public improvements .
A. Tree Removal - Guidelines. The City Forester shall use the
following guidelines when considering a request to remove a
tree or other landscape material from the public right of
way:
1 . The tree or other landscape material is dead or dying,
or is creating a hazard condition.
2 . The tree or other landscape material is infested with a
disease or insect which threatens the survivability of
adjacent trees or other landscape materials .
3 . The tree or other landscape material is an undesirable
species .
4 . The tree or other landscape material stands in the way
of necessary land improvements and all possibilities for
preservation have been exhausted.
B. Tree Pruning - Guidelines. The City Forester shall use the
following guidelines when considering a request to prune
trees and other landscape materials located on the public
right of way:
1 . Pruning will improve the health of the tree or other
landscape material.
2 . Pruning will provide branch clearance over sidewalks,
streets, and other public ways .
3 . Pruning will provide branch clearance from traffic
signals, traffic signs, or street lights .
4 . Pruning will remove dead and dangerous limbs .
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements a
5 . Pruning will clear limbs from roof tops, gutters, and
awnings .
6 . Pruning will provide safe clearance from public utility
poles, lines, and other appurtenances .
7 . Pruning may be performed in some cases to promote
sunlight penetration and bird abatement. At no time shall
more than 15 percent of the tree crown be removed.
8 . All pruning shall follow ANSI A300-1995, unless other
procedures are necessary.
C. Tree Removal/Pruning - Cost. The cost of removing or
pruning trees or other landscape materials located in the
public right of way shall be borne by the landowner of
adjacent property applying for approval for such removal or
pruning, unless the tree or other landscape material is
being removed or pruned because it is dead or dying,
constitutes a hazard, or the work is being performed as part
of a City maintenance program.
D. Supervision. It is unlawful for any person or firm to
plant, remove, or prune trees or other landscape materials
located in the public right of way or on any other public
property unless under the supervision of a International
Society of Aboriculture ( ISA) certified arborist.
E. Insurance. It is unlawful for any person or firm to remove
or prune trees or other landscape materials located in the
public right of way or on any other public property prior to
obtaining liability insurance, including bodily injury and
property damage, with limits not less than $300,000. 00 per
person and $1,000, 000 .00 per occurence for personal injuries
and $100,000 . 00 for property damage. The certificate of
insurance shall be issued by a liability insurance company
licensed to do business in the State of Illinois . The
certificate of insurance shall name the City as an
additional insured.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 13
Tree and Landscape Conservation CHAPTER FIVE
The City of Elgin recognizes the value of protecting trees and
other landscapes . The reasons are many and varied. They range
from scenic and visual to important health and environmental
benefits, and economic gain as well.
The special places that give the Elgin environs its distinctive
character need not all be developed or become the remnant
parcels destined to detain stormwater. Subdividers and
developers are encouraged to preserve significant trees and
woodlands, and other landscapes that provide scenic, wildlife
habitat, recreation, and/or environmental benefits (see Appendix
Two) .
When significant trees fall victim to development activity,
subdividers and developers are encouraged to replace those trees
in order to maintain the ecological diversity in the subdivision
or development. Trees with a numerical quality rating of three
or greater using the scoring system defined in "Wild Plants and
Natural Areas of Kane County" by Young or "Plants of the Chicago
Region" by Swink and Wilhelm are considered to be significant
and worthy of replacement (see Appendix Three) . Subdividers and
developers are encouraged to replace significant trees using the
following schedule:
Size of Tree Removed Minimum 2-1/2" Caliper
Replacement Tree
12-18" d.b.h. 1 Tree
19-24" d.b.h. 2 Trees
>25" d.b.h. 3 Trees
Subdividers and developers are encouraged to plant replacement
trees having an equal or greater numerical rating to the trees
removed. Replacement trees can be planted as street trees, used
to landscape areas reserved for park and open space, and to
enhance entry features to the development site.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 14
Appendix ONE
Definitions and Terms
The following definitions and terms shall be applicable to this
Guide:
ARTERIAL STREET.
"Arterial Street" shall mean a street which collects and
distributes traffic to and from collector streets, and is
contained within a minimum 80 ' right of way.
COLLECTOR STREET.
"Collector Street" shall mean a street which collects
traffic from local streets and connects with arterial streets,
and is contained within a minimum 70 ' right of way.
COLUMNAR TREE.
"Columnar Tree" shall mean a narrow, upright tree form.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT.
"Diameter at Breast Height" shall mean the diameter of a
tree measured at breast height, four and one-half feet above
grade.
DOUBLE FRONTAGE LOT.
"Double Frontage Lot" shall mean a lot that fronts upon two
parallel streets or that fronts upon two streets that do not
intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
EVERGREEN TREE.
"Evergreen Tree" shall mean a tree having foliage that
persists and remains green throughout the year.
FAR SIDE.
"Far Side" shall mean a relative term, dependent upon
traffic direction, referring to that part of an intersection
across (on the far side of) the intersecting street, alley, or
driveway from the driver's point of view.
FASTIGIATE TREE.
"Fastigiate Tree" shall mean a narrow, upright tree form.
GLOBAL TREE.
"Global Tree" shall mean a rounded, spherical tree form.
LARGE TREE.
"Large Tree" shall mean a shade tree reaching more than 40
feet in height at maturity.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements /Yj
LATERAL TREE SPACING.
"Lateral Tree Spacing" shall mean the location of a tree in
the treebank area or median, measured perpendicular to the
curbline of a street and to the right of way line.
LINE OF SIGHT CONTROL AREA.
"Line of Sight Control Area" shall mean a triangular shaped
area established at a street intersection, or at the
intersection of an alley or a driveway with a street, in which
nothing is erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such
a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists
entering or leaving the intersection.
LONGITUDINAL TREE SPACING.
"Longitudinal Tree Spacing" shall mean the spacing between
trees located in a treebank area or median, measured parallel to
the street.
MEDIUM TREE.
"Medium Tree" shall mean shade tree reaching from 30 to 40
feet in height at maturity.
NEAR SIDE.
"Near Side" shall mean a relative term, dependent upon
traffic direction, refering to that part of an intersection
before (on the near side of) the intersecting street, alley, or
driveway from the driver's point of view.
ORNAMENTAL TREE.
"Ornamental Tree" shall mean a deciduous tree with a mature
height less than 30 feet, possessing qualities such as flowers,
fruit, and attractive foliage or shape.
PUBLIC PROPERTY.
"Public Property" shall mean property owned by the City of
Elgin.
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY.
"Public Right of Way" shall mean a strip of land dedicated
to the City of Elgin for use as a street and for other public
purposes .
PYRAMIDAL TREE.
"Pyramidal Tree" shall mean a pyramid-shaped tree form,
having a wide base at the bottom of the tree canopy and tapering
to a point.
SHADE TREE.
"Shade Tree" shall mean a deciduous tree with a mature
height above 30 feet, generally having a single stem, planted
primarily for shade.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements UP
SHRUB.
"Shrub" shall mean a small, deciduous or evergreen plant
used as a hedge, foundation planting, border, or accent,
possessing qualities such as flowers, fruit, and attractive
foliage or shape.
SMALL TREE.
"Small Tree" shall mean a shade or ornamental tree reaching
up to 30 feet at maturity.
SPREADING TREE.
"Spreading Tree" shall mean a wide-shaped tree form, often
wider than high.
TREEBANK.
"Treebank" shall mean that portion of the public right of
way located between the street and the nearest parallel property
line, including the sidewalk.
TREES, SHRUBS, AND OTHER PLANT MATERIALS.
"Trees, Shrubs, and Other Plant Materials" shall mean all
vegetation, woody or otherwise, except lawn grass and flowers
less than 24 inches in height.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 17
Appendix TWO
A Mini-Directory of Tree Protection Techniques
Impact to Tree Construction Activity Methods/Treatments to Minimize Damage
Branch and trunk injury from equipment Fence trees to enclose low branches end protect trunk.Report all damage
promptly so arborlsl can treat appropriately.
Pruning for vertical clearance for Prune to minimum height required prior to construction.Consider minimum
height requirements of construction equipment and emergency vehicles over
roads.All pruning should be performed by an arborist,not by construction
personnel.
Felling trees In construction area Require that trees being removed be felled away from,rather than Into,tree
protection zones.
Root damage Stripping site of organic surface soil Restrict stripping of topsoil around trees.Any woody vegetation to be removed
or loss adjacent to trees to remain should be cut al ground level and not pulled out by
equipment,or root injury to remaining trees may result.
Digging into topsoil layer and killing roots Store outside fenced protection zones and away from root zones.Place
while loading piles of soil,gravel,etc plastic tarp,straw,plywood,or geotexile material beneath pile.
Lowering grade,scarifying,preparing Use retaining wails with discontinuous footings to maintain natural grade
subgrade for fills,structures as far as possible from trees.Excavate to finish grade by hand and cut
exposed roots with a saw to avoid root wrenching and shattering by
equipment,or cut with root-pruning equipment.Soil beyond cut face can be
removed by equipment sitting outside the dripline of the tree.
Subgrade preparation for pavement Use paving materials requiring a minimum amount of excavation (e.g.,
reinforced concrete Instead of asphalt).Design traffic patterns to avoid heavy
loads adjacent to trees(heavy load-bearing pavements require thicker base
material and subgrade compaction).Specify minimum subgrade compaction
under pavement within root zone.install aeration pipes If necessary.
Excavation for footings,walls, Design walls/structures with discontinuous footings and pier foundations.
foundations Excavate by hand near major roots.Avoid slab foundations,use post-and-
beam footings.
Trenching for utilities,drainage Coordinate utility trench locations with Installation contractors.Consolidate
utility trenches.Excavate trenches by hand In areas with roots larger than
one Inch diameter.Tunnel under woody roots rather than cutting them.Curve
trenches rather than using straight lines.
Unfavorable Compacted soils Fence trees to keep traffic and storage out of root area,in areas of engineered
conditions for growth: fills,specify minimum compaction(usually 85%)If fill will not support a
chronic stress from structure.Provide a storage yard and traffic areas for construction activity
reduced root system well away from trees.Protect soil surface from traffic compaction with
12'to 14'of wood chip mulch.Following construction,vertical mulch
compacted areas.Install aeration vents.
Spills,waste disposal(e.g.,paint,oil,fuel) Post notices on fences prohibiting dumping and disposal of waste around trees.
Require immediate cleanup of accidental spills.
Concrete wash-out and waste dumping Designate wash-out area.Dig pit and remove after construction,if necessary.
Soil sterilants(herbicides)applied under Use herbicides safe for use around exisiting vegetation and follow directions
pavement on the label.
Impervious surface over soil surface Utilize pervious paving materials(e.g.,interlocking blocks set on sand).Install
aeration vents in impervious paving.
Inadequate soil Rechanneilzatton of stream flow; In some cases it may be possible to design systems to allow low flows
moisture redirecting runoff;lowering water through normal stream alignments and provide bypass into storm
table;lower grade drains for peak flow conditions.Provide supplemental irrigation In
similar volumes and seasonal distribution as would normally occur.
Excess soil Underground flow backup;raising FAB placed across drainage courses must have culverts placed at the bottom of the
moisture • water table low flow so that water Is not backed up before rising to the elevation of the culvert.
Study the geotechnical report for groundwater characeristips to see that walls and fills
•
will not Intercept underground flow.
Lack of surface drainage away from tree Where surface grades are to be modified,make sure that water will lbw away from the
trunk(i.e.that the trunk Is not at the lowest point).if the tree is placed In a well,drainage
must be provided from the bottom of the well.
Irrigation of exotic landscapes Some species cannot tolerate frequent irrigation required to maintain lawns,flowers,
and other shallow-rooted plants.Use free form mulch areas or avoid landscaping
under those trees,or utilize plants that do not require irrigation.
Increased exposure Thinning stands,removal of undergrowth Save groups or clusters of trees when working with species that perform poorly in the
open oras single trees.Maintain the natural undergrowth.
Excessive pruning Prune sparingly,especially In stands of shade-tolerant species.Remember,leaves
manufacture the food needed for growth and recovery from shock.
Source:Tree City USA Bulletin,No.20.
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements /8
Appendix THREE
Contributing Trees
In order to protect the property values and to preserve an
important part of the native heritage in Elgin, subdividers and
developers are encouraged to replace the following species of
trees which have been removed do to conflict with development
activities . The replacement trees should be of the same
species, or have an equal or greater numerical quality rating.
The following species of trees have a numerical quality rating
of three or greater and are considered to be contributing trees
to the City of Elgin:
Species Numerical Quality
Rating
Evergreens
White Pine (Pinus strobus) 3
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) 3
White Cedar (Aborvitae) (Thuja Occidentalis) 10
Red Cedar (Juniperis virginiana) 3
Poplars
Big Tooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) 6
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) 4
Willows
Black Willow (Salix nigra) 4
Peach-Leaved Willow (Salix amygdaloides) 5
Walnuts and Birches
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) 5
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) 8
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 5
Kingnut Hickory (Carya laciniosa) 10
Hazelnut (Corylus americana) 5
Hop Hornbeam ( Ironwood) (Ostrya virginiana) 5
Blue Beech (Musclewood) (Carpinus caroliniana) 8
Yellow Birch (Betula lutea) 10
River Birch (Betula nigra) 6
Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) 5
Swamp Birch (Betula sandbergii) 10
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements /9
Legumes
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioica) 8
Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) 3
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 10
White Oaks
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) 4
White Oak (Quercus alba) 6
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) 8
Red Oaks
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) 10
Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muhlenbergii) 10
Black Oak (Quercus velutina) 6
Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 7
Hill ' s Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) 6
Elms, Hackberry, Linden and Catalpa
American Elm (Ulmus americana) 3
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) 4
Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasi) 10
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) 3
Basswood (Linden) (Tilia americana) 5
Tulip Tree (Lirodendron) 3
Maples and Sycamore
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 5
Black Maple (Acer nigrum) 5
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 6
Miscellaneous
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) 3
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) 5
Red Mulberry (Morus alba) 10
Ash
White Ash (Fraxinus americana) 5
Red Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 7
Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) 8
Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) 8
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements 1-O
Rose and Cherry
Iowa Crab (Pyrus baccata) 3
Wild Plum (Prunus americana) 5
Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) 5
Allegheny Shadblow (Amelanchier laevis) 8
Downey Shadbush (Amelanchier arborea) 8
Hawthorns
Large-Seeded Hawthorn (Crataegus flabellata) 5
Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) 6
Round-Leaf Hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa) 8
Compound Leaves
Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) 7
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) 3
Paw Paw
Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) 10
Dogwoods
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) 7
Viburnums
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) 4
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) 5
ENDNOTES
( 1) Young, Dick. Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas, 2nd
Edition. Kane County, 1994 .
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements Zl
Appendix FOUR
Landscape Maintenance Schedule
The following is a recommended calendar for the care of newly
installed landscaping:
January
General
o Plan maintenance program
o Plan new and replacement planting
February
General
o Purchase maintenance supplies
o Purchase new and replacement planting
Trees
o Prune deciduous trees
March
Trees
o Prune deciduous trees
o Transplant trees
o Install new trees
Shrubs
o Prune deciduous shrubs
o Transplant shrubs
o Install new shrubs
April
Trees
o Transplant existing trees
o Install new trees
Shrubs
o Transplant existing shrubs
o Install new shrubs
o Clean up shrub beds
Turf
o Install new lawns (sod and seed)
o Mow lawns, as required
o Treat lawns with pre-emergent herbicides, as required
May
Trees
o Install new trees
o Monitor for winter damage, prune as required
o Fertilize trees
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
o Restore tree saucers
o Mulch tree saucers
o Monitor new and transplanted trees, water as required
o Remove tree wrap from previous season' s transplanted
or installed trees
Shrubs
o Install new shrubs
o Monitor for winter damage, prune as required
o Fertilize shrubs
o Prune early-spring flowering shrubs after flowering
o Restore bed edges
o Mulch shrub beds
o Monitor new and transplanted shrubs, water as required
o Remove winter protection
Turf
o Install seed or sod, water as required
o Mow lawns, weekly or as required
o Fertilize lawns, first application
o Treat lawns with post-emergent herbicides, as required
June
Trees
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted trees, water as required
o Weed tree saucers
Shrubs
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Prune late-spring flowering shrubs after flowering
o Monitor new and transplanted shrubs, water as required
o Weed shrub beds, as required
o Shear hedges, first time
Turf
o Monitor newly seeded or sodded lawns, water as required
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Mow lawns, weekly or as required
o Fertilize lawns, second application
o Treat lawns with post-emergent herbicides, as required
July
Trees
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted trees, water as required
o Weed tree saucers
Shrubs
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted shrubs, water as required
o Weed shrub beds, as required
o Shear hedges, second time
Turf
o Monitor lawns, water as required
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements �3
o Mow lawns every ten days to two weeks and raise mower
height
August
Trees
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted trees, water as required
o Re-mulch tree saucers
o Weed tree saucers
Shrubs
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted shrubs, water as required
o Re-mulch shrub beds
o Weed shrub beds
Turf
o Monitor lawns, water as required
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Mow lawns every ten days to two weeks
September
Trees
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted trees, water as required
o Weed tree saucers
o Install new evergreens
Shrubs
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Monitor new and transplanted shrubs, water as required
o Fertilize shrubs
o Weed shrub beds
o Prune shrubs, as required
o Shear hedges, third time
o Install new shrubs
Turf
o Monitor newly seeded or sodded lawns, water as required
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Mow lawns every week to ten days and lower mower height
o Fertilize lawns, third application
o Install seed or sod, water as required
October
Trees
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Begin dormant season pruning
o Transplant existing trees
o Install new trees
Shrubs
o Monitor for insects and diseases, treat as required
o Prune shrubs, as required
o Transplant existing shrubs
o Install new shrubs
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
Turf
o Monitor newly seeded or sodded lawns, water as required
o Mow lawns every ten days to two weeks
o Install seed or sod, water as required
November
Trees
o Continue dormant season pruning
o Install new trees
Shrubs
o Install new shrubs
Turf
o Mow lawns every ten days to two weeks
December
General
o Repair tools and equipment
Guidelines to Elgin Landscape Requirements
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 10, 1997
Page 3
Litigation - exempt under Section 120/2 (c) ( 11) of Open
Meetings Act
Purchase of Property - exempt under Section 120/2 (c) (5) of
Open Meetings Act
Sale of Property (setting price) - exempt under Section
120/2 (c) ( 6 ) of Open Meetings Act
Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters,
Yearman, and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None.
Whereupon at 6 :21 p.m. , the corporate authorities convened in
executive session for the purpose of discussing the above-stated
matters . At 7 : 17 p.m. , the corporate authorities returned to
open session.
The meeting resumed at 7 : 17 p.m.
Real Estate Sales Contract with Colonial Enterprises, Inc. for
Open Space Property
A resolution for execution of the aforementioned sales contract
will be considered for adoption at tonight ' s Council meeting.
Public Hearing on Proposed Tree Ordinance
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing open.
Parks and Recreation Director Meyers highlighted the proposed
ordinance considered by the City Council at its May 14 , 1997,
meeting. She described the proposed compromise reached by the
review committee, which basically involves a change in the tree
replacement method. She reviewed the benefits of having a Tree
Ordinance.
Comments from other members of the review committee and citizens
included emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach,
urging the City to inventory the trees and devote greater
resources to tree programs, need for a forestry inspector to
insure that developers take proper inventory, and establishment
of a commission to address and raise awareness of environmental
issues and perform a tree inventory. The City Council was urged
to pass a Tree Ordinance and devote more funding toward tree
programs .
Mayor Kelly declared the public hearing closed.
Councilmembers discussed the proposed Tree Ordinance, the
compromise regarding tree replacement, and cost associated with
enforcing the ordinance. Some Councilmembers questioned why a
Tree Ordinance is needed in view of the regulations that already
exist . Other Councilmembers stated they did not believe passage
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 10, 1997
Page 4
of the proposed Tree Ordinance would have any adverse affect or
result in additional costs to the City.
Councilman McKevitt made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gavin,
directing that staff prepare a tree ordinance which is basically
a summation of all the various existing ordinances regarding
trees and landscape requirements . There specifically is to be no
new reference to mandatory replacement. The provisions in the
existing code that call for mandatory replacement may continue to
exist. No new restrictions are to be included regarding private
property; however, the existing provisions may remain. Further,
the proposed Tree Ordinance and the recommended compromise
regarding tree replacement should be used as a guideline for
developers and the Planning Department to use in their review
process . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, McKevitt, Yearman, and
Mayor Kelly Kelly. Nays : Councilmembers Gilliam, Schock, and
Walters .
New Liquor License Classification to Allow Liquor Sales Via
the Internet
Councilmembers discussed the possibility of enforcement problems
in prosecuting the possible sale of liquor to minors via the
Internet.
Councilman Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gilliam,
to establish a new liquor license class which would permit the
sale of liquor via the Internet. Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin and
Gilliam. Nays : Councilmembers McKevitt, Schock, Walters,
Yearman and Mayor Kelly.
1997/1998 Self-Insurance Program Renewal
Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gavin,
to approve renewal of the City' s limited self-insurance program
as proposed by Lundstrom Insurance and outlined in the
September 5, 1997, agenda memorandum. Yeas : Councilmembers
Gavin, Gilliam, McKevitt, Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor
Kelly. Nays : None.
Recommendation from Neighborhood Services Committee for
Proposed Installation of Two-way Stop at 11 Various Intersections
Councilwoman Yearman made a motion, seconded by Councilman
Gilliam, to approve the recommendation for installation of
two-way stop signs . Yeas : Councilmembers Gavin, Gilliam,
McKevitt, Schock, Walters, Yearman and Mayor Kelly. Nays : None.
��{ OF Etc,
`' 42ti� Agenda Item No.
City of Elgin
September 4, 1997
•
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Robert O. Malm, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Public Hearing on Proposed Tree Ordinance
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and
members of the City Council with information to consider the
tree ordinance proposed by the Parks and Recreation Board.
BACKGROUND
The Mayor and members of the City Council tabled the consider-
ation of the proposed tree ordinance at the May 14 City
Council Meeting. A review committee has completed gathering
data and the comparative analysis with other communities to
prepare options to the proposed ordinance for consideration.
The participating members of the review committee were as
follows :
Tom Armstrong, Principal Planner
Sheri Buttstadt, Lords Park Association
Ted Denning, Civil Engineer
Roger Dieringer, Izaak Walton League
Bob Edwards, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Dan Kowalewski, Commonwealth Edison
Jim McConoughey, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce
Monica Meyers, Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Mike Noland, Izaak Walton League
Dave Osborn, Parks Superintendent
Jim Sheppard, City Arborist
Attached is a response to questions raised at the May 14 City
Council meeting. Also enclosed as Attachment A is other
information developed during meetings of the review committee
(community comparisons in forestry operations, estimated cost
to more effectively manage the City's tree inventory, the
effect on the utility franchise agreement with Commonwealth
Edison, tree replacement options to the proposed ordinance,
City street project cost analysis, development property
annexation issues and possible developer incentives) .
•
Tree Ordinance
September 4, 1997
Page 2
eP- The review committee had four meetings to discuss the issues
and determine a consensus of policies regarding tree
replacement and ordinance applicability. No consensus was
reached within the committee regarding the applicability of
the ordinance (inclusion of commercial and industrial
development) ; however, agreement was received regarding the
replacement method as follows:
1. Decisions on tree replacement are proposed to be based on
a numeric tree quality rating as outlined in section IV-A
on page 4 of Attachment A.
2 . Trees with a 4 inch- 8 inch diameter are to be replaced,
tree for tree, as outlined in section IV-E on page 5 of
Attachment A. Trees with a diameter of 8" or greater are
to be replaced, inch for inch diameter, as outlined in
section IV-D on page 5 of Attachment A.
Discussions regarding the proposed tree ordinance again led to
the advantages of adopting a systematic tree maintenance
program. A systematic approach would be desirable regardless
of whether the proposed ordinance is adopted. Thru August,
1997, there have been over 1,500 citizen calls for tree
trimming or removal. During the spring and fall season, there
is an average 80 calls per week for the City Forester to
enter, evaluate, and respond.
The goal with implementing the tree ordinance is to improve
existing services through the compliment of additional staff
and equipment as well as implementing a city-wide systematic
tree trimming program.
The provisions of the ordinance requiring a no-cost permit to
trim or plant a tree in the public right-of-way already exist.
The requirements for reviewing and enforcing replacing trees
four inches or more in subdivisions and in planned
developments is an additional duty for the Forestry Division.
Without some additional staffing to administer this specific
requirement, it will be difficult to supply a timely review
for development or not lengthen the response time for citizen
requests (already lengthy) even further. Inclusion of
industrial and commercial areas in the ordinance will further
exacerbate the issue of existing limited resources.
COMMUNITY GROUPS/INTERESTED PERSONS CONTACTED
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board has considered
comments from various concerned citizens in ' their review of
the draft tree ordinance.
e•-• Ordinance review committee.
Tree Ordinance
September 4, 1997
Page 3
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City in 1997 budgeted $257,588 ($108,038 staff and
supplies; $149,550 contractual services) for Forestry
operations within the General Fund and $100,000 for
contractual services through Riverboat funds . The contracted
services pay for responses to citizens ' requests for tree
trimming, removal and replanting.
The information in Attachment A describes the cost of
implementing new initiatives within the tree ordinance (i .e.
systematic five-year tree trimming) and enhancing the quality
of existing services that have been incorporated within the
ordinance (i.e. , in-house and citizen tree work requests,
permits, engineering inspections, Commonwealth Edison
coordination, etc. ) .
To manage the increase demands and expectations of the
Forestry Division, particularly in light of this ordinance,
requests for additional resources will be considered in the
current budget deliberations.
LEGAL IMPACT
tow It is recommended that utilities be exempt from the ordinance
due to the existing franchise agreement between the City and
Commonwealth Edison and Rider 28 of the Illinois Commerce
Commission Local Government Compliance Clause for electricity
for cities and villages.
ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives are to:
1. Adopt the tree ordinance as proposed.
2 . Adopt the review committee' s replacement criteria.
3. Include commercial and industrial development
applicability to ordinance.
4 . Exempt public utility companies .
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the proposed tree ordinance be
considered with the recommendations of the review committee
but exclude public utility companies as they are already
covered by existing franchise agreements. It is suggested
that adoption of the ordinance itself be deferred until the
1998 Budget process is further developed to assess whether any
additional support can be directed towards the Forestry
function. Direction is sought as to whether industrial and
commercial areas should be included with the scope of the
ordinance.
Tree Ordinance
September 4, 1997
Page 4
fek Respectfully submitted,
flt4th
Monica Meyers, Di ector
Pa nd Recreation
ob VIAL''..--
Int rim City Manager
mm
Attachment A
Review Committee Report
I. Community Comparison
II. Cost to Manage the Ordinance
III. Utilities
IV. Tree Replacement Options
V. City Projects Analysis
VI. Annexation Issues
VII. Developer Incentives
•
I. Community Comparisons:
Community Population Street Staff Equipment Budget Contract$
Trees
Addison 32,000 11,776 7 full-time 2 bucket trk $565,000 $140,000
2 chippers
2 dump trk
1 water trk
1 trailer
1 backhoe
1 jaw
Aurora 99,000 10,000 7 full-time* 1 bucket trk 0 $360,236
3 part-time 2 chippers
2 dump trk
Champaign 63,500 14,000 7 full-time 2,bucket trk $400,000 $ 50,000
1 dump trk
1 water trk
1 pickup trk
Downers 46,850 22,850 2 full-time 2 pick-ups $369,000 $290,000
Grove 2 dump trk
3 chippers
2 5-ton trk
Elgin 85,000 60,000 1 full-time 1 1-ton trk $108,038 $249,550
1 pt intern 2 chippers
Glen Ellyn 25,000 13.500 5 full-time 2 bucket trk $203,000 $237,000
1 pick-up
5 chippers
1 log spliter
2 stmpgrnd
Joliet 90,000 30,000 1 full-time None $158,000 $170,000
1 part-time •
Urbana 36,000 12,500 4 full-time 2 bucket trk $307,600 $25,000
2 part-time 2 chippers
1 stmp grnd
2 dump trk
1 pick-up
Waukegan 70,000 10,000 10 full-time 2 bucket trk ? None
2 part-time 2 chippers
2 stumpers
2 loaders
4 tnicks
ellek *Aurora's staff is within the Public Works Department assigned to forestry work when
available. There are no full or part-time staff dedicated to forestry operations.
1
II. Cost To Manage The Ordinance:
PERSONNEL CONTRACT SERVICE CAPITAL TOTAL
PROPOSED ORDINANCE $173,240 $200,000 $113,000 $486,240
ADDING COMMERCIAL & $ 57,073 $ 0 $ 25,000 $ 82,073
INDUSTRIAL
TOTAL FOR BOTH $230,313 $200,000 $138,000 $568,313
A. Current Needs/Proposed Ordinance Cost- The cost estimate to manage the
proposed ordinance is equal to our current needs assessment due to the current work that
is being done and has been incorporated into the proposed ordinance.
• Staff- The Parks Forestry operation currently consists of one full-time Arborist and
one summer part-time intern. To improve the management of the forestry operations
four additional full-time a one part-time positions are needed. A Forester to oversee
the operations, a crew leader and two tree workers for in-house work orders and a
part-time secretery to manage phone calls and tree requests. The cost breakdown for
the additional staff is as follows (general job descriptions attached):
Forester $ 39,912
Lead Worker $ 30,192
Tree Worker $ 27,279
Tree Worker $ 27,279
PT Secretary $ 8.600
$133,262 Subtotal
Benefits (30%) + $ 9,978
$173,240 Total Additional Staff Cost
• Contract Service- A comprehensive urban forestry program is based on a five-year
trim cycle. Therefore, every street tree will be inspected with the necessary trimming
or removal once every five years. Additionally, trees will be replaced and new trees
planted. The cost to initiate this systematic tree trimming/replacement program is
$150,000. Other communities that have initiated a.five-year trim cycle have stated
that the cost for the trimming reduces, on average by 30% - 40% following the first
five-year cycle and remains consistent from that point. For example, Cincinnati Ohio
experienced a 30% reduction in tree work costs following the first year and a 70%
reduction following the third year of their systematic trim cycle. Therefore, it is
anticipated that if initiated in 1998 $150,000 would need to be budgeted annually
throughout 2002 and then the allocated budget would be reduced to $105,000
annually. The overall cost for contracted services will also reduce due to the reduction
in emergency storm cleanup. For example, Champaign and Glen Ellyn stated that
storm damage considerably decreased at approximately 40% in areas receiving
systematic trims.
2
The expanded contract services will enable the forestry operations to work with the
Public Works Department to trim/remove trees prior to the start of a street resurfacing
project. This will allow for less damage to trees during projects and create easier access
for contractors. Following the project, staff will work with citizens to replace removed
trees and plant additional tree bank trees. The cost to perform this work, based on the
1998 street resurfacing projects, is $50,000.
• Capital- The additional equipment that is needed to initiate the program and replace
equipment on a five-year cycle is as follows:
37 foot aerial lift truck with box $ 70,000
3/4 ton 4x4 pickup truck $ 25,000
Stump grinder $ 18,000
$113,000 Total Equipment
B. Adding Commercial and Industrial Cost- The addition of managing commercial
and industrial development will increase the cost to manage the ordinance through the
following resources:
• Staff- A full-time Forestry Inspector will be needed to work with commercial and
industrial developers on performing tree surveys, tree preservation, tree replacement
through the site landscape plan and follow-up for planting inspections. The additional
permitting, tracking and reporting will require the part-time secretary requested above
be upgraded to a full-time clerk/typist position.
Forestry Inspector $30,192
FT Clerk/Typist $13,711 ($22,311 - $8,600 from above)
$43,903 Subtotal
Benefits (30%) + $13,170
$57,073 Total Additional Staff Cost
• Contract Service- No additional contract services will be needed.
• Capital- The additional equipment that is needed to incorporate the Forestry Inspector
is one 3/4 ton 4x4 pick-up truck at a cost of $25,000 initially and on a five-year
replacement cycle.
•
3
III. Utilities:
Commonwealth Edison currently trims trees on a four year cycle. Based on the current
tree inventory in Elgin the cost to Commonwealth Edison to perform this cyclical
trimming is $800,000 annually. In addition, the company utilizes two full-time staff to
coordinate "customer tickets" only. "Customer tickets" refers to any customer inquiries
relating to tree work only. The Illinois Commerce Commission has instituted this four
year cycle for tree trimming. Commonwealth Edison follows the federal standards for line
clearance.
Based on the current franchise agreement between the City of Elgin and Commonwealth
Edison, all ISA standards must be adhered to when trimming trees, if 15% or more of a
tree must be trimmed the tree will be replaced through a 50/50 cost sharing program with
the City at a maximum of$150 to Commonwealth Edison. The franchise agreement states
that no other agreement can supersede the franchise agreement. Additionally, Rider 28 of
the Illinois Commerce Commission Local Government Compliance Clause for electricity
for cities and villages states that organizations requiring additional services than outlined
in the ICC regulations agreement must be paid for by the users. Therefore, if additional
tree replacement standards are instituted through the tree ordinance the City would be
responsible for the additional cost exceeding the above cost sharing program.
IV. Tree Replacement Options:
The proposed ordinance recommends that all trees 4" d.b.h. (diameter at breast height)
and larger under the 3 or greater quality rating system by replaced on an inch for inch
d.b.h. basis. The following are qualifier and replacement options for consideration:
A. 3 or Greater Tree Rating Qualifier- Tree replacement would be based on trees
receiving a numerical quality of three or greater based on the scoring system defined in
"Wild Plants and Natural Areas of Kane County" by Young or "Plants of the Chicago
Region" by Swink and Wilhelm. For example, if one 10" Box Elder and one 10" White
Oak were to be removed only the White Oak would need to be replaced as the Box Elder
has a rating less than three. This qualifier could also be combined with the minimum size
tree replacement and trees would be replaced based on either the inch for inch d.b.h. (D)
or the graduated scale method (C). From the ordinances received, no communities utilize
this replacement method.
Note: Project costs below were based on inch for inch d.b.h. replacement.
4
t
B. Minimum Size Tree Qualifier- Tree replacement would be based on a minimum size
of the d.b.h. The proposed ordinance provides for trees with a minimum d.b.h. of 4" be
replaced. The replacement d.b.h. could be increased. Several local communities use a
replacement d.b.h. of 6". Other communities that utilize this replacement option are as
follows: 4" Orland Park, IL 10" Winnetka, IL
6" Atlanta, GA 12" Rockville, MD
Dublin, OH Lake Forest, IL
Waukegan, IL
Note: Project costs below were based on inch for inch d.b.h. replacement.
C. Graduated Scale Replacement- Tree replacement could be based on a graduated
replacement scale based on the size of the tree to be replaced as follows:
Size of Tree Removed Minimum 2 1/2" dbh Replacement
6" - 11" d.b.h. 1 tree
12" - 17" d.b.h. 2 trees
18" - 24" d.b.h. 3 trees
25 and> d.b.h. 4 trees
Waukegan uses a simplified method of this replacement by replacing trees 12" and greater
with each tree replaced with 2- 2 1/2" trees.
D. Inch for Inch (Tree Diameter) Replacement- The tree replacement incorporated in
the proposed ordinance establishes that all trees removed be replaced to equal the existing
d.b.h. Therefore, if one 12" tree and one 21" tree are being removed (33" d.b.h. total)
they must be replaced.with 16 2 1/2" trees to total 33" d.b.h. Atlanta, Georgia and
Waukegan, Illinois follow this replacement practice. In addition, Waukegan replaces trees
12" and greater d.b.h. and allows replacement credits for saving larger growth trees and
exempts the building footprint area of the property.
E. Tree For Tree Replacement- Each tree measuring 4" or greater d.b.h. removed
would be replaced with a minimum of one 2 1/2" d.b.h. tree with no regard for species.
Lake Forest, Illinois utilizes this replacement method.
V. City Projects Analysis:
The following analysis is a tree replacement and cost comparison based on the above tree
replacement options. The costs are based on tree purchase and planting;the staff costs are
reflected in section 2A.
5
Shales Parkway-
Option DBH Removed DBH Replaced Cost
A 382" 217.50" (87 trees) $17,400
B 382" 62.50" (25 trees) $ 5,000
C 382" 150" (60 trees) $12,000
D 382" 382" (153 trees) $30,000
382" (60 trees) 150" (60 trees) $12,000
The current plan for Shales Parkway tree replacement is to plant 165 trees (412.5" d.b.h.)
within the two tree banks and the center median.
Kimball Street-
Option DBH Removed DBH Replaced Cost
A 667" 667" (267 trees) $53,400
B 667" 47.50" (19 trees) $ 3,800
C 667" 282.50" (113 trees)* $22,600
D 667" 667" (267 trees) $53,400
w E 667" (19 trees) 47.5" (19 trees) $ 3,800
The current plan for Kimball Street tree replacement is to plant 158 larger specimen trees
totaling 570" D.B.H. at a cost of$57,970.
*Figures are an approximate. The engineering plans do not show d.b.h. of trees removed.
The City Arborist estimated the trees removed to be 18" to 24" d.b.h. each.
Area Three-
Option DBH Removed DBH Replaced Cost
A 853" info. not available* info. not available
B 853" 147.50" (59 trees) $11,800
C 853" 335" (134 trees) $26,800
D 853" 852.50" (341 trees) $68,240
E 853" (134 trees) 335" (134 trees) $26,800
There is no plan for tree replacement.
*The engineering plans do not show species, however, a preliminary site inspection
revealed predominantly Box Elders, Silver Maples and Siberian Elms; below class 3 tree
rating.
ru
6
f"~ VI. Annexation Issues:
The concern was raised that property owners will clear-cut lots of trees prior to annexing
property into the City to avoid complying with the tree ordinance. From the sixteen
communities that tree ordinances were requested, nine ordinances were received (see
attached list) with four of those ordinances incorporating tree preservation sections;
Atlanta, Georgia; Rockville, Maryland; Lake Forest, Illinois; and Winnetka, Illinois
Atlanta, Georgia offers flexibilities within their ordinance to allow developers to exempt
the area of the property that is buildable for the footprint of the building, parking lot and
roadway. The representative stated that Atlanta has experienced no clearcutting as a
result of their ordinance, however stressed the importance of reviewing each development
application on a case by case basis.
Rockville, Maryland incorporates a one for one tree replacement for all trees greater than
12" d.b.h. with no regard to species or d.b.h. replacement. The representative from
Rockville stated that developers recognize the economic and environmental benefits to
preserving trees and therefore there have been no instances of clearcutting by developers.
Lake Forest, Illinois incorporates the one for one tree replacement for all trees greater
than 12" d.b.h. with no regard to species or d.b.h. replacement.
Winnetka, Illinois incorporates the one for one tree replacement for all trees greater than
10" d.b.h. with no regard to species or d.b.h. replacement. Replacement trees must be 4"
d.b.h.
VII. Developer Incentives:
If commercial and industrial development is included as applicable within the ordinance
incentives to save larger, older growth trees should be offered to developers for
conserving these trees.
a. Zoning variances and credits towards the property landscape plan when large, existing
trees are left on site and adequately protected. Options that have been incorporated in
other ordinances are as follows:
b. Replacement flexibilities could be established if the property does not allow enough
room to plant required replacement trees on site. for example, the developer could
contribute the replacement funds for the trees into a City based tree replacement fund for
future planting of trees in parks or other public property.
"'' c. The building and parking lot footprints could be left exempt from tree replacement.
tow
August 14, 1997
Forester:
The Forester would be responsible for: the day - to - day
supervision of the forestry division; forestry personnel;
development and implementation of an Arboricultual Plan for the
City; development of a forestry budget; direction of work to be
contracted; direction of work done in house; reviewing the
performance of contractors and in house crews; provide technical
assistance to Planning and Engineering Departments;
, implementation of the tree ordinance; and other duties as
assigned.
Arborist:
- The Arborist would work under the direction of the Forester
reviewing requests for service; providing technical field
rik
assistance to Planning and Engineering Departments; work with
citizens on tree related problems; and other duties as assigned.
Crew Leader:
The Crew Leader would work under the direction of the Forester
doing in - house tree work; that would include,but not be limited
to, tree trimming; tree removal; stump grinding; sodding;
planting trees; and other duties as assigned.
Tree Worker:
The Tree Workers would work under the direction of the Forester
helping the Crew Leader doing in - house tree work; that would
include but not be limited to, trimming trees from the ground
• through the use of pole saws; chipping branches; planting trees;
watering trees; sodding; stump grinding; and other duties as
assigned.
Non - Contributing Trees
fek
The following trees and shrubs have been rated at 2 or lower and
as such would have no replacement value pursuant to the
provisions of Title 22, Trees .
Species Numerical Quality
Rating
Evergreens
Japanese Yews ( Taxus cupsidata ) 0
Scotch Pine ( Pinus sylvestris ) 1
Jack Pine ( Pinus banksiana ) 0
Red Cedar ( Juniperus virginiana ) 1
Poplars
White Poplar ( Populus alba ) 0
Lombardy Poplar ( Populas nigra ) 0
Cottonwood ( Populas deltoides ) 2
Willows
Crack Willo% ( Salix fragilis ) 0
White Willow ( Salix alba ) 0
Weeping Willow ( Salix alba tristis ) 0
Sandbar Willow ( Salix interior ) 0
,/�►' Pussy Willow ( Salix discolor ) 2
[
Olives & Buckthorns
Russian Olive ( Elaeagnus angustifolia ) 0
Autumn Olive ( Elaeagnus umbellata ) 0
Common Buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica ) -3
Glossy Buckthorn ( Rhamnus frangula ) -3
Dahurian Buckthorn ( Rhamnus davurica ) -1
Walnut & Birch
Paper Birch ( Betula papyrifera ) 2
Legumes
Black Locust ( Robinia pseudo acacia ) -2
Rose Acacia ( Robinia hispida ) 1
Oaks
Pin Oak ( Quercus palustris ) 0
Elms, Hackberry, Linden, Catalpa
Siberian Elm ( Ulmus pumila ) -1
Catalpa ( Catalpa speciosa ) 0
Maples & Sycamore
Norway Maple ( Acer platanoides ) -1
Silver Maple ( Acer saccharinum ) 1
Boxelder ( Acer negundo ) 0
rik Red Maple ( Acer robrum ) 0
Miscellaneous
elk Osage Orange ( Maclura pomifera ) 0
Wiite Mulberry ( Morus alba ) 1
Tree of Heaven ( Ailanthus altissima ) 1
Ash
Green Ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica ) 2
Prickly Ash ( Xanthoxylum americana ) 1
Cherry
European Mountain Ash ( Pyrus aucuparia ) 0
Siberian Crab ( Pyrus baccata ) 1
Apple ( Pyrus malus ) 1
Pear ( Pyrus communis ) 1
Choke Cherry ( Prunus virginiana ) 1
• Black Cherry ( Prunus serotina ) 2
Mahaleb Cherry ( Prunus mahaleb ) 0
Hawthorns
Cockspur Hawthorn ( Crataegus crus galli ) 1
Dotted Hawthorn ( Crataegus punctata ) 1
Red Haw ( Crataegus mollis ) 2
Scarlet Hawthorn ( Crataegus coccinea ) 2
Compound Leaves
Poison Ivy ( Rhus radicans ) -3
rib, Smooth Sumac ( Rhus glabra ) 1
Paw Paw
Buffalo Currant ( Ribes odoratum ) 2
Dogwoods
Gray Dogwood ( Cornus racemosa ) 1
Viburnums
European Highbush Cranberry ( Viburnum opulis ) 0
Wayfaring Tree ( Viburnum lantana ) 0
Communities Contacted
1. Lake Forest Illinois
2. Aurora Illinois
3. Rockville Maryland
4. Millwaukee Wisconsin
5. Chicago Illinois
6. Joliet Illinois
7 . Winnetka Illinois
8. Atlanta Georgia
9 . Waukegan Illinois
10. Lincoln Nebraska
11. Glen Ellyn Illinois
13. Addison Illinois
14. Downers Grove Illinois
15. Champaign Illinois
16. Urbana Illinois
Ordinances Received
1 . Lake Forest Illinois
2 . Aurora Illinois
3. Rockville Maryland
4 . Millwaukee Wisconsin
5. Chicago Illinois
e"" 6. Joliet Illinois
7 . Winnetka Illinois
8. Atlanta Georgia
9. Waukegan Illinois
Ordinances with Preservation Sections
1. Lake Forest Illionis
2 . Rockville Illinois
3. Winnetka Illinois
4 . Atlanta Georgia
Attachment B
Background on Tree Ordinances
,'I
oew
•
•
INTRODUCTION
Why a Tree Ordinance?
Ordinances reflect the values of a community, the values its
residents believe are worth protecting to maintain their quality
of life and an environment that is both safe and pleasant. A
community's trees are very much the kind of community asset that
deserves to be protected and managed for the common good. Trees
should be considered as important a part of the community's
infrastructure as are streets, sidewalks and utilities.
A tree ordinance encourages beautification, air cooling and
purification, noise abatement, -enhanced property values and the
eft. other attributes of trees within a community. It enables the
community to prevent and control the spread of diseases through
the urban forest, to preserve trees in the path of development,
and to avoid unnecessary costs associated with sewer clogging,
sidewalk replacement and tree-related incidents . A tree
ordinance also provides direction for tree care and helps
control unscrupulous or careless operators.
The Value of Trees
The reasons for protecting trees are many and varied. Trees
have aesthetic, environmental and economic value. They have
long been valued for their visual beauty. They bring a human
scale to the built environment by reducing the distortions of
height and space created by large buildings, parking lots and
roadways . Scientific research has documented the value of trees
in controlling air pollution, moderating climate, reducing soil
erosion and improving water quality. Communities are
recognizing the economic benefits of trees in establishing a
positive community image that can be important in attracting new
businesses, in improving real estate values, and saving money on
everything from energy costs to water supply.
Communities with established and well-managed urban forests are
often viewed as places with a sense of pride, and as special
rik places to live and work. The value of trees ranges from scenic
and visual to important health and environmental benefits, and
economic gain as well.
t
SUMMARY OF THE
ELGIN TREE ORDINANCE
1. WHAT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE TREE
REPLACEMENT AND LANDSCAPE PROVISIONS OF THE TREE ORDINANCE?
o Site development on individual parcels of land,
irrespective of the underlying zoning.
o Utility, street, and other improvement projects in a
public right of way.
2. WHAT TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY
WITH THE TREE REPLACEMENT AND LANDSCAPE PROVISIONS OF THE
TREE ORDINANCE?
o Street trees are required to be planted in new
subdivisions and planned developments, irrespective of
the underlying zoning.
o Isolated trees and woodland areas removed as part of the
development activities associated with new subdivisions
and planned developments are required to be replaced,
irrespective of the underlying zoning.
3. HOW ARE THE TREE CONSERVATION AND TREE REPLACEMENT
PROVISIONS IN THE ORDINANCE APPLIED?
o The intent of the ordinance is to require that trees
removed, measuring four inches in diameter or more at
breast height and having a numerical quality rating of
three or greater, be replaced. The total aggregate trunk
diameter of the replacement trees must equal the diameter
of the trees removed. The replacement trees are required
to restore the diversity and numerical quality of the
trees removed. Figure 1 illustrates the application of
the tree replacement criteria on a hypothetical
subdivision. Figure 2 lists trees having a numerical
rating of three or greater. Figure 3 lists trees
considered to be noncontributing.
4. HOW DOES THE ORDINANCE IMPACT THE OPERATIONS OF UTILITY
COMPANIES AND OTHER COMPANIES OPERATING UNDER FRANCHISE
AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF ELGIN?
o It is the intent to allow public utility companies to
Ct operate under the provisions of federal and state
regulations, and their franchise agreements with the City
SUMMARY/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
ELGIN TREE ORDINANCE
SUMMARY 09/02/97
of Elgin in cases where those regulations and agreements
conflict with the provisions of the tree ordinance.
5. WHAT TYPES AND AMOUNTS OF STREET TREES ARE REQUIRED TO BE
PLANTED IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS?
o The subdivision ordinance requires the planting of one
street tree, at least 2-1/2 inches in caliper, for every
40 feet of street frontage. The tree ordinance contains
additional requirements controlling planting intervals
and location standards to allow street trees to mature
and not interfere with utilities, roadways, sidewalks,
line of sight control areas, street signs, and street
lights .
6. ARE PERMITS REQUIRED TO PLANT, PRUNE, OR REMOVE TREES IN THE
PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY?
o Trees located in the public right of way are the property
of the city. Permits are required under the current
ordinances to plant, prune, or remove trees in the public
right of way. The proposed ordinance will continue this
practice.
fek 7. HOW LONG DOES IT TARE TO GET A PERMIT?
o Landscape plans associated with subdivisions and planned
developments will require no more time than is required
for the normal review and city council approval of those
types of projects. A general permit for required street
trees (and replacement trees, when necessary) would be
issued concurrent with other permits required for the
construction of the project.
o Permits associated with individual property owners plans
to plant, prune, or remove trees in the public right of
way can typically be issued the day the application is
filed, or within one or two days if a site visit is
required.
o A general permit would be issued to firms performing tree
pruning activities on behalf of the city or public
utilities. Prior consultation with the city arborist is
required under the current and proposed ordinances .
8. WHAT TYPES OF TREES ARE ACCEPTABLE?
o High quality, nursery-grown trees are required to be
planted because of the potential damage caused by
eft'
and other conditions causing tree stress
eft' common to city streets. Street trees should be selected
from species that are long lived, native to the area,
hardy, have good aesthetic value, and have a low
SUMMARY/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
ELGIN TREE ORDINANCE
SUMMARY 09/02/97
incidence of exfoliating bark, branch drop, fruit drop,
and pruning.
9. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF STREET TREES?
o It generally takes two to three years following the
planting of a tree to be assured that it has survived the
stress of transplanting and that it is in a healthy
condition. Accordingly, the ordinance provides that
street trees are to be maintained in good condition by
the subdivider/developer prior to and for a period of
three years following city council acceptance of the
public improvements in the subdivision or planned
development. A guarantee to replace dead or dying trees ,
is required in the form of a written indemnification
agreement executed by the subdivider/developer prior to
city council acceptance of the public improvements.
o Subdividers, developers, and individual property owners
will be given tree planting standards and maintenance
schedules to promote the proper planting and care of
street trees .
SUMMARY/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
risk' Figure 1.
TREE REPLACEMENT
WHITE O K(2) 0
17' /
8' 24'
M12" HAGBARK HICKORY
8 pi W 8' B CK CHERRY
BOXELDE-(3)
0
2'WHITE OAK
24'COTTONWOOD 1111
�
17'SHAGBAR
k1ff HICK
SUGAR APLE(2)
Trees removed due to conflicts with new streets and building
locations ( >6( ) . Trees removed, measuring four inches in
diameter or more at breast height and having a numerical quality
rating of three or greater, must be replaced. The total
aggregate trunk diameter of the replacement trees must equal the
diameter of the trees removed. The minimum diameter of a
replacement tree is 2-1/2 inches .
# Trees Species Quality Aggregate # Replacement
Removed Rating Diameter Trees
(1) Black Cherry (2) 8" 0
(3) Boxelder (0) 24" 0
( 1) Cottonwood (2) 24" 0
(2) Shagbark (5) 29" 12
Hickory
(2) Sugar Maple (5) 30" 12
(3) White Oak (6) 63" 25
Total 49
ePh4. Replacement trees should be the same species as the trees
removed, or when not available, have an equal or greater quality
rating as the trees removed.
REP.#1/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
"' Figure 2.
CONTRIBUTING TREES
In order to protect the property values and to preserve an
important part of the native heritage in Elgin, the following
species of trees are required to be replaced pursuant to the
provisions of Title 22, Trees . The replacement trees shall be
of the same species, or have an equal or greater numerical
quality rating. The following species of trees have a numerical
quality rating of three or greater and are considered to be
contributing trees to the City of Elgin ( 1) :
Species Numerical Quality
Rating
Evergreens
White Pine (Pinus strobus) 3
Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) 3
White Cedar (Aborvitae) (Thuja Occidentalis) 10
Red Cedar (Juniperis virginiana) 3
Poplars
Big Tooth Aspen (Populus grandidentata) 6
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) 4
Willows
Black Willow (Salix nigra) 4
Peach-Leaved Willow (Salix amygdaloides) 5
Walnuts and Birches
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) 5
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) 8
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) 5
Kingnut Hickory (Carya laciniosa) 10
Hazelnut (Corylus americana) 5
Hop Hornbeam (Ironwood) (Ostrya virginiana) 5
Blue Beech (Musclewood) (Carpinus caroliniana) 8
Yellow Birch (Betula lutea) 10
River Birch (Betula nigra) 6
Gray Birch (Betula populifolia) 5
Swamp Birch (Betula sandbergii) 10
Legumes
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioica) 8
tek Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) 3
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 10
TREELIST/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
White Oaks
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) 4
White Oak (Quercus alba) 6
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) 8
Red Oaks
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria) 10
Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muhlenbergii) 10
Black Oak (Quercus velutina) 6
Red Oak (Quercus rubra) 7
Hill 's Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis) 6
Elms, Hackberry, Linden and Catalpa
American Elm (Ulmus americana) 3
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) 4
Rock Elm (Ulmus thomasi) 10
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) 3
Basswood (Linden) (Tilia americana) 5
Tulip Tree (Lirodendron) 3
Maples and Sycamore
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 5
Black Maple (Acer nigrum) 5
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 6
Miscellaneous
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) 3
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) 5
Red Mulberry (Morus alba) 10
Ash
White Ash (Fraxinus americana) 5
Red Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) 7
Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra) 8
Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) 8
Rose and Cherry
Iowa Crab (Pyrus baccata) 3
Wild Plum (Prunus americana) 5
Pin Cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) 5
Allegheny Shadblow (Amelanchier laevis) 8
eftk Downey Shadbush (Amelanchier arborea) 8
TREELIST/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
Hawthorns
Large-Seeded Hawthorn (Crataegus flabellata) 5
Frosted Hawthorn (Crataegus pruinosa) 6
Round-Leaf Hawthorn (Crataegus chrysocarpa) 8
Compound Leaves
Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia) 7
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) 3
Paw Paw
Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) 10
Dogwoods
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) 7
Viburnums
Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) 4
Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago) 5
ENDNOTES
( 1) Young, Dick. Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas, 2nd
Edition. Kane County, 1994 .
rb-
TREELIST/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
'Pk
Figure 3.
NONCONTRIBUTING TREES
In order to protect the property values and to preserve an
important part of the native heritage in Elgin, certain species
of trees with a numerical quality rating of three or greater are
required to be replaced. The following species of trees have a
numerical quality rating of less than three and are not
considered to be contributing trees to the City of Elgin ( 1) :
Species Numerical Quality
Rating
Evergreens
Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) 1
Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) 0
Poplars
White Poplar (Populus alba) 0
Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra) 0
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) 2
Willows
Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) 0
White Willow (Salix alba) 0
Weeping Willow (Salix alba tristis) 0
Olives and Buckthorns
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) 0
Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) -3
Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) -3
Dahurian Buckthorn (Rhamnus davurica) -1
Walnuts and Birches
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) 2
Legumes
Black Locust (Robinia psuedo-acacia) 2
Rose Acacia (Robinia hispida) 1
Red Oaks
Pin Oak (Quercus palustris) 0
tow
Elms, Hackberry, Linden and Catalpa
Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila) -1
NCTREES/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) 0
Maples and Sycamore
Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) -1
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) 1
Boxelder (Acer negundo) 0
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) 0
Miscellaneous
Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera) 0
White Mulberry (Morus alba) 1
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) 1
Ash
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica s. ) 2
Prickly Ash (Xanthoxylum americana) 1
Rose and Cherry
European Mountain Ash (Pyrus baccata) 0
Apple (Pyrus malus) 1
Pear (Pyrus communis) 1
Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) 1
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) 2
Mahaleb Cherry (Prunus mahaleb) 0
Wild Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) 0
Hawthorns
Cockspur Hawthorn (Crataegus crusgalli) 1
Dotted Hawthorn (Crataegus punctata) 1
Red Haw (Crataegus mollis) 2
Scarlet Hawthorn (Crataegus coccinea) 2
Compound Leaves
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) 1
ENDNOTES
( 1) Young, Dick. Kane County Wild Plants and Natural Areas, 2nd
Edition. Kane County, 1994 .
t
m.
NCTREES/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
Attachment C
Proposed Tree Ordinance - Title 22
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
Title 22
TREE ORDINANCE
Chapters :
22 .05 General Provisions .
22 . 10 Landscaping.
22 . 15 Tree Selection, Planting, Maintenance, and Removal .
22 .20 Public Nuisances .
22 .25 Permits .
22 . 30 Administration and Enforcement.
22 . 35 Penalties and Appeals.
22 .40 Supplementary Regulations .
fek
TREEORD.010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
Chapter 22.05
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections :
22. 05 . 100 Short Title.
22 .05 .200 Supplementary Regulations .
22 .05 . 300 Purpose of Provisions .
22 . 05 .400 Applicability.
22.05. 100 SHORT TITLE.
The ordinance codified in this title shall be known, cited,
and referred to as the "Elgin Tree Ordinance" .
22.05.200 SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS.
Any word or phrase contained within this title followed by
the symbol " (SR) " shall be subject to the definitions and the
additional interpretive requirements provided in Chapter 22 .40,
Supplementary Regulations. The exclusion of such symbol shall
not exempt such word or phrase from the applicable supplementary
regulation.
rah
22.05.300 PURPOSE OF PROVISIONS.
The ordinance codified in this title is adopted for the
following purposes :
A. Promote the public health, safety, comfort, and general
welfare.
B. Encourage the conservation and enhancement of the City of
Elgin' s urban forest.
C. Establish standards and requirements to protect trees and
forests during and after development activity, and to
minimize tree loss due to development activity.
D. Provide for the regulation of the selection, planting,
maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, and other plant
materials (SR) .
E. Protect landowners and residents from personal injury and
property damage, and protecting the City of Elgin from
property damage.
22.05.400 APPLICABILTY.
A. Jurisdiction. The provisions of this title, or any
subsequent amendment hereto, shall apply to all land
located within the City of Elgin.
B. General Application. All trees, shrubs, and other plant
materials located on a public right of way (SR) or on other
public property (SR) ; located on private property and
required to fulfill a street tree, screening, or tree
replacement requirement; overhanging a public right of way
or other public property; or creating •a hazard tothe
public health, safety, comfort, and general welfare shall
be subject to the provisions of this title. The tree
conservation provisions of this title shall apply to all
TREEORD.010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
tow
land which is subject to subdivision, and/or planned
development review and approval by the City of Elgin
C. Minimum Requirements . The application of the provisions of
this title shall be considered the minimum requirements for
the promotion of the public, health, safety, and general
welfare.
D. Other Laws and Regulations. The provisions of this title
shall govern over less restrictive statutes, laws,
ordinances, regulations, resolutions, and rules of any
kind.
E. Other Agreements . No provision of this title shall be
construed to abrogate any easement, covenant, or other
agreement.
F. Public Utility Companies . Public utility companies shall
not be exempted from the application of the provisions of
this title.
G. Severability. The terms and provisions of this title are
intended to be severable. In the event any of the terms or
provisions of this title are deemed to be void or otherwise
unenforceable for any reason, the remaining terms and
provisions of this title shall remain in full force and
effect.
H. Word Useage. The following rules of word useage shall
apply to the text of this title:
1. The particular shall control the general.
2 . Words used or defined in one tense or form shall
include other tenses or derivative forms.
3 . The word "shall" is always mandatory and not
discretionary. The word "may" is permissive.
4 . The word "person" includes an individual, a
corporation, a partnership, an incorporated
association, or any other similar entity.
5 . Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary,
where a regulation involves two or more items,
conditions, provisions, or events connected by the
conjunction "and" , "or", or "either. . .or", the
conjunction shall be interpreted as follows :
a. The conjunction "and" shall indicate that all the
connected items, conditions, provisions, or
events shall apply.
b. The conjunction "or" shall indicate that the
connected items, conditions, provisions, or
events may apply singly or in any combination.
c. The conjunction "either. . .or" shall indicate that
the connected items, conditions, provisions, or
events shall apply singly and not in combination.
6 . In the case ' of any difference of meaning or
implication between the text of this title and any
caption, illustration, summary table, or illustrative
fewtable, the text shall control .
7 . Words not defined in this title shall be interpreted
in accordance with the definitions contained within
the most recently revised Webster's Dictionary.
•
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REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
r
I. Measured Distances . All measured distances shall be along
a straight line, shall be expressed in feet, and shall be
to the nearest integral foot.
J. Fractional Remainders . When a regulation in this title
requiring a calculation results in a fractional remainder,
any fraction of less than one half may be disregarded,
while a fraction of one half or more shall be counted as
the next integral unit, unless specifically provided for
otherwise.
•
fek
TREEORD.010PETEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
Chapter 22. 10
LANDSCAPING
Sections :
22 . 10. 100 Tree Conservation.
22 . 10 . 200 Street Trees .
22.10.100 TREE CONSERVATION.
A. Trees Generally. Isolated trees measuring four inches
in diameter or larger at breast height (SR) , and
wooded areas shall be preserved in the installation of .
site improvements in subdivisions and in planned
developments as provided for herein. Consideration '
shall be given to relocating trees with a numerical
quality rating of three or greater, that are in
conflict with development sites . In order to maintain
tree density and canopy in new subdivisions and in
planned developments, trees removed measuring four
inches in diameter or larger, whether isolated or
located in a wooded area, shall be replaced. In order
to maintain the existing ecological diversity of the
subdivision or planned development, the subdivider or
developer shall be required to restore the diversity
and numerical quality in designated areas of the
subdivision or planned development. Numerical quality
shall be determined by the scoring system defined in
"Wild Plants and Natural Areas of Kane County" by
Young or "Plants of the Chicago Region" by Swink and
Wilhelm. Where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction
of the City Forester that replacement of the required
trees cannot be fully attained on-site, all or part of
the required number of replacement trees shall be
planted off-site in accordance with the following
priorities :
1. In a public right of way or a tree easement
adjoining a public right of way.
2. On public parks and open space.
3. On private parks and open space accessible to the
public.
4. On private open space not accessible to the
public.
B. Tree Replacement. Trees removed measuring four inches ,
in diameter or larger, whether isolated or located
within a wooded area, shall be replaced with new trees
each of which shall have a minimum diameter of two and
one-half inches . The total aggregate diameter of the
replacement trees shall equal or exceed the diameter
of the trees so removed.
TREEORD.010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
22. 10.200 STREET TREES.
A. Street Trees - Required in New Subdivisions . and
Planned Developments. Street trees shall be planted
along both sides of all streets in new subdivisions
and planned developments in accordance with approved
landscape plans and specifications. Trees shall
either be massed or be spaced evenly along the street,
or both. When trees are spaced evenly along the
street, spacing shall depend on tree size, as follows :
Mature Tree Height Planting Interval
(in feet) (in feet)
Large trees(40 '+) (SR) 40 ' - 60 ' apart
Medium trees(30 ' - 40 ' ) (SR) 30 '- 50 ' apart
Small trees (to 30 ' ) (SR) 20 ' - 40 ' apart
Trees shall be planted so as to not interfere with
utilities, roadways, sidewalks, line of sight control
areas' (SR) , street signs, and street lights. Street
tree location, landscaping design, and a spacing plan
shall be approved by the City Council as part of a
subdivision or planned development approval.
B. Tree Survey and Landscape Plan. Preliminary
engineering plans and specifications submitted in
support of a subdivision or planned development plan
shall include a tree survey locating and identifying
the type and condition of all trees measuring four
inches in diameter or larger at breast height, and the
furthest extent of the drip line of any wooded areas
within the development site. The tree survey shall be
prepared under the supervision of a International
Society of Aboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. The
preliminary engineering plans and specifications shall
include a landscape plan showing the size, type, and
location of street trees; and shall include
specifications for tree selection, planting, and
maintenance. In addition, the landscape plan shall
locate and describe landscaped entryway signs;
screening treatment on double frontage lots (SR) ; and
landscaping of stormwater detention facilities and
areas designated for replacement of trees removed as
the result of the subdivision or planned development
plan. The approved landscape plan and specifications
shall be attached to and made a part of the final
engineering plans and specifications .
C. Location Standards. New street trees are prohibited
in the following locations :
rh- 1 . Intersections . New street trees are prohibited
from being planted within the following minimum
distances to intersections of streets, alleys,
and driveways:
a. Alley, near side (SR) 20 ' - 0"
TREEORD. 010/PZTEXT/20OOAD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
low
b. Alley, far side (SR) 10 ' - 0"
c. Driveway (ind/com) , near side 20 ' - 0"
d. Driveway (ind/com) , far side 10 ' - 0"
e. Driveway (res) , near/far sides 10 ' - 0"
f. Street, near side 30 ' - 0"
g. Street, far side 20 ' - 0"
h. Street (median) , near/far sides 30 ' - 0"
2. Sidewalks, Curbs, Utilities, and other
Structures. New street trees are prohibited from
being planted within the following minimum
distances to sidewalks, curbs, utilities, and
other structures :
a. Buildings
spreading trees (SR) 15 '- 0"
global/pyramidal trees (SR) 12 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees (SR) 9 ' - 0"
b. Building exits 10 ' - 0"
c. Courtesy walks 3 ' - 0"
d. Curbs (measured from vertical face) 3 ' - 0"
e. Fire escapes 10 ' - 0"
f . Fire hydrants 5 ' - 0"
g. Manholes and catchbasins 5 ' - 0"
h. Pedestrian lights (max. 15 ' ht. )
spreading trees 15 ' - 0"
global/pyramid trees 15 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 10 '- 0"
i. Pedestrian overpasses and tunnels 25 '- 0"
j . Railroads (with approval within 100 ' )50 '- 0"
k. Sidewalks 3 ' - 0"
1 . Street lights
spreading trees 25 ' - 0"
global/pyramidal trees 20 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 15 ' - 0"
m. Trees (existing)
spreading trees 25 ' - 0"
global/pyramidal trees 20 ' - 0"
columnar/fastigiate trees 20 ' - 0"
n. Utility boxes 10 ' - 0"
o. Viaducts 50 ' - 0"
p. Wall hydrants, standpipes,
or siamese connections 10 ' - 0"
q. Other structures 30 '- 0"
3 . Longitudinal Tree Spacing (SR) . Street trees
shall be spaced the following minimum distances
from trees of similar form:
Spreading form trees 25 ' - 0"
Global/pyramidal form trees 20 ' - 0"
Columnar/fastigiate form trees 15 ' - 0"
4 . Lateral Tree Spacing (SR) . Streettrees shall be
spaced the following minimum distances from the
lateral edge of the treebank (SR) area:
a. No street tree shall be planted in the
treebank more than 10 ' - 0" from the right of
TREEORD. 010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
1
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
way line of a collector street (SR) or an
arterial street (SR) .
b. Street trees shall be planted aa close as
possible to the lateral center of the
treebank, except where permitted to
accomodate future widening of the street.
c. Street trees shall be planted as close as
possible to the lateral center of medians,
except where the landscape plan calls for
more than one row of trees . Street trees
planted in medians shall be planted a
minimum of 5 ' - 0" from the vertical face of
the curb.
d. The following treebank elements shall have
the following minimum widths in order to
accomodate street trees :
Sidewalk (trees in pits) 9 ' - 0"
edian 10' - 0"
reebank (grassed portion only) 6 ' - 0"
Sidewalk 5 ' - 0"
tow
TREEORD.010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
Chapter 22. 15
TREE SELECTION, PLANTING, MAINTENANCE, AND REMOVAL
Sections:
22. 15. 100 Tree Selection.
22. 15.200 Tree Planting.
22 . 15 . 300 Tree Maintenance.
22 . 15.400 Tree Removal/Pruning.
22 . 15 .500 Certification.
22. 15 . 600 Insurance.
22. 15. 100 TREE SELECTION.
A. Plant Materials - Generally. Trees, shrubs, and other
plant materials installed as part of an approved site
development plan, subdivision or planned development
shall meet the standards of the "American Standard for
Nursery Stock" , ANSI Z60. 1-1990, American Association
of Nurserymen, most recent edition. Plants shall meet
all requirements of federal, state, and local law with
respect to plant type, labeling, nursery or plant
inspection, disease, insect, and other pest
eft- infestation, and other requirements. Plants shall be
high quality nursery grown stock. No substandard "B
Grade" or "Park Grade" plants shall be acceptable.
Plants shall have been grown in a climate similar to
the City of Elgin's climate (Zone 5 - U. S. Department
of Agriculture Hardiness Map) . No plant from a warmer
climate shall be acceptable. Plants shall be in a
healthy, vigorous condition, free of dead or broken
branches, scars that are not completely healed, frost
cracks, disfiguring knots, or broken or abraded bark.
Plants shall have a full, even, and well developed
branching; and a dense, fibrous, and vigorous root
system.
B. Plant Materials - Size. At the time of installation,
plant materials shall meet or exceed the following
minimum size requirements:
1. Shade Trees. At the time of installation,
required shade trees (SR) shall measure not less
than two and one-half inches in diameter,
measured six inches above the ground, nor less
than ten feet in height. Shade trees shall be
delivered balled-and-burlapped.
2. Evergreen and Ornamental Trees. At the time of
installation, required ornamental trees (SR)
shall measure not less than two inches in
diameter, measured six inches above the ground.
Required (SR) evergreen trees shall measure not
less than six feet in height. Evergreen and
ornamental trees shall be delivered
balled-and-burlapped.
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REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
3. Shrubs. At the time of installation, required
deciduous shrubs (SR) shall measure not less than
24 inches in height, and required -Lconiferous
shrubs shall measure not less than 18 inches in
height, except as may be specifically provided
otherwise. Shrubs shall be delivered
balled-and-burlapped or in containers. Container
plants shall have been established for a minimum
of one growing season in their containers before
installation.
22. 15.200 TREE PLANTING.
Trees, shrubs, and other plant materials planted in the
public right of way or on any other public property; or
specified on a landscape plan approved as an element of a
subdivision or planned development, shall be planted,
fertilized, staked, pruned, watered, and mulched in accordance
with specifications issued by the City Forester. Unless funded
as part of a City tree planting program, the cost of planting
said trees, shrubs, or other plant materials shall be the
responsibility of the developer or adjacent landowner
undertaking such activity.
22. 15.3 TREE MAINTENANCE.
rft- Tues, shrubs, and other plant materials planted in the
public right of way in accordance with a landscape plan approved
as an eisment of a subdivision or planned development shall be
maintabmd by the subdivider or developer of property adjoining
the p :ic right of way prior to the date of City Council
acceptmme of the public improvements, except as may be provided
otherwise- Maintenance includes weeding, mowing, trimming,
edging, mmItivation, reseeding, plant replacement, fertilizing,
spraying' pest and insect control, and watering.
Tie subdivider or developer shall further guarantee the
replaceent of dead or dying trees, shrubs, or other plant
materials planted in a public right of way for a period of three
years flowing the date of City Council acceptance of the
public improvements. The guarantee shall be in the form of a
writtesindemnification agreement provided by the City and shall
be erased by the subdivider or developer prior to the City
Councit:acceptance of the public improvements .
22.15400 TREE REMOVAL/PRUNING.
1. Tree Removal — Guidelines. The City Forester shall
use the following guidelines when considering a
request to remove a tree, shrub, or other plant
material tram the public right of way:
L. The tree, shrub, or other plant material is dead
rowor dying, or is creating a hazard condition.
Z:. The tree, shrub, or other plant material is
infested with a disease or insect which threatens
the survivability of adjacent trees, shrubs, or
other plant materials.
TREEORD.OI0i?EXTfZOOOAD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
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3 . The tree, shrub, or other plant material is an
undesirable species .
4 . The tree, shrub, or other plant material stands
in the way of necessary land improvements and
all possibilities for preservation have been
exhausted.
5 . A landscape plan has been submitted indicating
the location, type, and size of replacement
trees, shrubs, or other plant materials .
Replacement trees shall be planted in accordance
with the standards contained in Section 22. 10. 100
Tree Conservation.
B. Tree Pruning - Guidelines. The City Forester shall
use the following guidelines when considering a
request to prune trees, shrubs, and other plant
materials located on the public right of way:
1. Pruning will improve the health of the tree,
shrub, or other plant material.
2 . Pruning will provide branch clearance over
sidewalks, streets, and other public ways .
3. Pruning will provide branch clearance from
traffic signals, traffic signs, or street lights.
4 . Pruning will remove dead and dangerous limbs.
5. Pruning will clear limbs from roof tops, gutters,
rb. and awnings.
6 . Pruning will provide safe clearance from public
utility poles, lines, and other appurtenances .
7 . Pruning may be performed in some cases to promote
sunlight penetration and bird abatement. At no
time shall more than 15 percent of the tree crown
be removed.
8 . All pruning shall follow National Arborist
Association standards for Class II - Standard
Pruning, unless other procedures are necessary.
C. Tree Removal/Pruning - Cost. The cost of removing or
pruning trees, shrubs, or other plant materials
located in the public right of way shall be borne by
the landowner of adjacent property applying for
approval for such removal or pruning, unless the tree,
shrub, or other plant material is being removed or
pruned because it is dead or dying, constitutes a
hazard, or the work is being performed as part of a
City maintenance program.
22. 15.500 CERTIFICATION.
It is unlawful for any person or firm to plant, remove, or
prune trees, shrubs, or other plant materials located in the
public right of way or on any other public property unless under
the supervision of a International Society of Aboriculture (ISA)
elk certified arborist.
22. 15.600 INSURANCE.
It is unlawful for any person or firm to remove or prune
trees, shrubs, or other plant materials located in the public
TREEORD.010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
M
REVISION DRAFT
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foom-
right of way or on any other public property prior to obtaining
liability insurance, including bodily injury and property
damage, with limits not less than $300, 000. 00 per person - and
$1,000,000 .00 per occurence for personal injuries and
$100,000 .00 for property damage. The certificate of insurance
shall be issued by a liability insurance company licensed to do
business in the State of Illinois. The certificate of insurance
shall name the City as an additional insured.
•
TREEORD.010/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2 , 1996
Chapter 22.20
PUBLIC NUISANCES
Sections :
22 .20 . 100 Obstructions on Public Property.
22 .20 . 200 Nuisance Abatement.
22.20. 100 OBSTRUCTIONS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY.
The owner or person in control of property adjacent to any
public right of way shall be responsible for pruning and '
maintaining trees, shrubs, and other plant materials located on
the property in their ownership or control in such a manner that
they will not obstruct or shade street lights; obstruct the
passage of pedestrians and vehicles using sidewalks and streets,
or other public ways; obstruct traffic control signs ; or
obstruct line of sight control areas .
22.20.200 NUISANCE ABATEMENT.
The owner or person in control of property on which trees,
shrubs , or other plant materials are located, which are
determined to be a public nuisance, shall be responsible for
eft. pruning, maintaining, or removing such materials to abate the
nuisance condition. The following conditions are hereby
declared public nuisances under this ordinance:
A. Any tree, shrub, or other plant material which harbors
insects or diseases which reasonably may be expected to
injure or harm other trees, shrubs, or other plant
materials .
B. Any tree, shrub, or other plant material which by reason of
its location or condition constitutes an imminent danger to
the health, safety, or welfare of the general public.
C. Any tree, shrub, or other plant material which obstructs the
use of public property.
D. Any tree, shrub, or other plant material which obstructs
street lights , traffic control signs, or line of sight
control areas .
Chapter 22.25
PERMITS
Sections :
22 . 25 . 100 Permit Required.
22 .25 .200 Landscape Plan.
22 . 25 . 300 Standards .
em. 22.25 . 100 PERMIT REQUIRED.
It is unlawful to plant, prune, or remove any tree, shrub,
or other plant material in any public right of way without
having first secured a permit from the City Forester. A
landscape plan shall be submitted along with any application to
TREEORD. 020/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
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plant or remove any tree, shrub, or other plant material in any
public right of way.
22.25.200 LANDSCAPE PLAN.
No trees, shrubs, or other plant materials shall be planted
or removed in any public right of way prior to the submission
and approval of a landscape plan. The landscape plan shall be
reviewed by the City Forester. The landscape plan shall be a
scale drawing or contain distance measurements with sufficient
detail to document conformance with the requirements of this
title. The landscape plan shall contain the following:
A. Subdivision/planned development name or common address.
B. Name, address, and telephone number of preparer of the
landscape plan.
C. Notation of scale (no smaller than 1" = 40 ' - 0" ) .
D. Drawing orientation ( indicated by conventional north
arrow) .
E. Property lines, easements, and street frontage with
dimensions shown.
F. Line of sight control areas at intersections, and at
alley and driveway curb cuts .
G. Location of existing or proposed street lights, fire
hydrants, sidewalks, and curb lines .
H. Location and dimensions of the landscape area; common
name and size of all trees, shrubs, or other plant
materials to be planted or removed within the landscape
area; and the location of any other pertinent landscape
features .
I . Indicate estimated time of planting.
J. Indicate the street traffic direction using two-way or
one-way arrows .
K. A certified statement signed by the applicant
committing to the maintenance of required landscaping
in the following form:
The undersigned acknowledges that the landscape
planting shown on this landscape plan for the
property at (subdivision/
planned development name or common street
address) , Elgin, Illinois (zip code)
has to the best of the undersigned applicant' s
knowledge, been designed and will be installed,
maintained, and replaced, by current and
subsequent owners in accordance with the
requirements of the Elgin Tree Ordinance.
•
Name
22.25. 300 STANDARDS. •
The City Forester shall issue a permit to plant, prune, or
remove any tree, shrub, or other plant material upon finding
that the request meets the provisions of Section 22 . 15 .400 Tree
Removal/Pruning; or the provisions of Section 22 . 10 . 200 Street
TREEORD. 020/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
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Trees and Section 22 .25 . 200 Landscape Plan. A request to plant
a tree, shrub, or other plant material in a public right of way
shall also be reviewed with respect to the following-additional
criteria:
1 . A species that is long lived.
2 . A species that is native to the area. •
3 . The hardiness of the tree, including but not limited
to, wind firmness , climate requirements, and the
characteristics of the soil .
• 4 . A species with a good aesthetic value, including
autumnal coloration, flower and fruit types, and tree
shape.
5 . A low incidence of exfoliating bark, branch drop, and
pruning.
6 . The protection of buildings from wind, sun, and other
climatic considerations .
7 . The encouragement of wildlife residence.
8 . The suitability of size at maturity to the tree' s
function.
9 . The ability to retain soil and control erosion.
10 . The ability to reduce noise.
11 . The species is not susceptible to insect or disease
attack, or to air or water pollution.
emik 12 . The plant material does not exhibit signs ofdisease,
rot, or other damage.
TREEORD. 020/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
.Q
REVISION DRAFT
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Chapter 22.30
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Sections :
22 . 30 . 100 City Forester.
22.30. 100 CITY FORESTER.
A. Established. The City Forester shall be the Director
of the Parks and Recreation Department or the
Director' s designee.
B. Powers and Duties. The City Forester shall have the
following powers and duties with respect to the
administration and enforcement of Chapter 22 . 10,
Landscaping, Chapter 22 . 15, Tree Selection, Planting,
Maintenance, and Removal, and Chapter 22 .25, Permits :
1 . Review of tree surveys and landscape plans
submitted with applications for subdivision or
planned development approval; and review and
approval of permit applications to plant, prune,
or remove trees , shrubs, or other plant materials
in any public right of way.
2 . Notify and consult with the Department of Public
Works and the Department of Code Administration
and Neighborhood Affairs on matters involving
obstructions on public property and nuisance
abatement.
3 . Establish any reasonable rules and procedures not
otherwise established by this code that are deemed
necessary for implementing the powers and duties
of this section.
4 . Maintain current and permanent records of the
subject of this section.
5 . Provide written approval or denial of permit
applications as provided in this title within 30
days of any such application. Any act to deny a
permit application shall include a statement of
the reason or reasons for such action.
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Chapter 22. 35
PENALTIES AND APPEALS
Sections :
22. 35 . 100 Penalties .
22 . 35 . 200 Appeals .
22.35. 100 PENALTIES
Any person who violates any provision of this title, upon
being found guilty of a violation, shall be subject to a fine of
not less than $50. 00 nor more than $500 . 00 for each separate
offense. Each day during which any violation of the provisions
of this title shall occur or continue shall be a separate
offense. If, as a result of the violation of any provision of
this title, the injury, mutilation, or death of a tree, shrub,
or other plant located on city-owned property is caused, the
cost of repair or replacement of such tree, shrub, or other
plant material shall be borne by the party in violation, in
addition to other fines and penalties which may be provided by
law. The replacement value of trees and shrubs shall be
determined in accordance with the latest revision of "A Guide to
eft' the Professional Evaluation of Landscape Trees, Specimen Shrubs,
and Evergreens" , as published by the International Society of
Arboriculture.
22. 35.200 APPEALS.
A. Authority. The Parks and Recreation Board is
authorized to hear appeals of permit denials as
provided herein, and to authorize the granting of such
permits . The granting of such permits may be
conditioned upon the performance of such terms and
conditions not in conflict with the requirements of
this title as may be reasonable. The board shall adopt
rules and procedures governing the conduct of meetings
at which appeals are to be considered. Such rules and
procedures shall include and provide for, but not be
limited to, the recording of any appeal hearing and
written notification of any appeal decision in writing
within 30 days of any such appeal hearing, which
written notification shall include a recitation of the
reasons for any appeal decision and findings of fact .
B. Application. An appeal may be taken to the Parks and
Recreation Board by any person agrieved by a denial of
a permit as provided for pursuant to this title. A
written notice of appeal shall be filed with the board
within 30 days of any such permit application denial .
C. Hearing Required. The Parks and Recreation Board shall
"'' hear an appeal at the earliest regularly scheduled
meeting, shall give notice thereof to the parties, and
shall render a decision without unreasonable delay. No
hearingshall be conducted unless the parties to the
appeal recieve at least seventy-two hours notice of the
TREEORD. 020/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
N
REVISION DRAFT
tow December 2 , 1996
hearing. Any party to the proceeding may appear and
testify at the hearing, either in person, by writing,
or by authorized agent or attorney.
D. Decision. The Parks and Recreation Board may reverse
or amend the permit denial appealed to the extent that
the board may decide to be -fitting and proper. The
board shall set forth in writing their findings and
decision. The decision of the board shall be final .
row •
eft.
TREEORD. 020/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
REVISION DRAFT
December 2, 1996
few
Chapter 22.40
SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS
Sections:
22 .40 . 005 Purpose and Intent.
22 .40.010 Supplementary Regulation - Generally.
22 .40 .015 Arterial Street.
22.40. 020 Collector Street.
22 .40 .025 Columnar Tree.
22 .40 .030 Diameter at Breast Height.
22 .40 .035 Double Frontage Lot.
22.40. 040 Evergreen Tree.
22 .40.045 Far Side.
22 .40 . 050 Fastigiate Tree.
22 .40 .055 Global Tree.
22 . 40. 060 Large Tree.
22 .40. 065 Lateral Tree Spacing.
22 .40 .070 Line of Sight Control Area.
22 .40.075 Longitudinal Tree Spacing.
22 . 40. 080 Medium Tree.
22 . 40. 085 Near Side.
22 .40.090 Ornamental Tree.
emw 22 .40 .095 Public Property.
22 . 40. 100 Public Right of Way.
22. 40. 105 Pyramidal Tree.
22 .40 . 110 Shade Tree.
22 .40 . 115 Shrub. •
22 .40. 120 Small Tree.
22 .40. 125 Spreading Tree.
22 .40 . 130 Treebank.
22 .40 . 135 Trees, Shrubs, and Other Plant Materials .
22.40.005 PURPOSE AND INTENT.
The purpose and intent of the provisions for supplementary
regulations is to provide definitions and additional
interpretive requirements for the words and terms used in this
chapter and title.
22.40.010 SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS - GENERALLY.
Any word or phrase contained within this chapter and title
followed by the symbol " (SR) " shall be subject to the
definitions and the additional interpretive requirements
provided in this chapter. The exclusion of such symbol shall
not exempt such word or phrase from the applicable supplementary
regulation.
22.40.015 ARTERIAL STREET.
"Arterial Street" shall mean a street which collects and
few distributes traffic to and from collector streets, and is
contained within a minimum 80 ' right of way.
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December 2, 1996
i
22.40.020 COLLECTOR STREET.
"Collector Street" shall mean a street which collects
traffic from local streets and connects with arterial streets,
and is contained within a minimum 70 ' right of way.
22.40.025 COLUMNAR TREE.
"Columnar Tree" shall mean a narrow, upright tree form.
22.40.030 DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT.
"Diameter at Breast Height" shall mean the diameter of a
tree measured at breast height, four and one-half feet above
grade.
22.40.035 DOUBLE FRONTAGE LOT.
"Double Frontage Lot" shall mean a lot that fronts upon two
parallel streets or that fronts upon two streets that do not
intersect at the boundaries of the lot.
22.40.040 EVERGREEN TREE.
"Evergreen Tree" shall mean a tree having foliage that
persists and remains green throughout the year.
22.40.045 FAR SIDE.
"Far Side" shall mean a relative term, dependent upon
traffic direction, referring to that part of an intersection
across (on the far side of) the intersecting street, alley, or
driveway from the driver's point of view.
22.40.050 FASTIGIATE TREE.
"Fastigiate Tree" shall mean a narrow, upright tree form.
22.40.055 GLOBAL TREE.
"Global Tree" shall mean a rounded, spherical tree form.
22.40.060 LARGE TREE.
"Large Tree" shall mean a shade tree reaching more than 40
feet in height at maturity.
22.40.065 LATERAL TREE SPACING.
"Lateral Tree Spacing" shall mean the location of a tree in
the treebank area or median, measured perpendicular to the
curbline of a street and to the right of way line.
22.40.070 LINE OF SIGHT CONTROL AREA.
ae of Sight Control Area" shall mean a triangular shaped
\ stablished at a street intersection, or at the
:tion of an alley or a driveway with a street, in which
is erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such
as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists
r or leaving the intersection.
.N
\\\\D30/PZTEXT/2000AD.TS/2200CDT.OFC/2270PRK.REC/TREES
Attachment D
Letters from Interested Groups
rbk : 2:1 /1" 2aa
ar
i ASSOCIATION Gifford Park Association • P.O. Box 928 • Elgin,IL 60121
February 21, 1997
Mayor Kevin Kelly
City of Elgin
150 Dexter Court
Elgin, IL 60120
•
RE: Tree Ordinance
Dear Mayor Kelly:
The City of Elgin has completed an admirable act of public stewardship,responsibility and foresight:
that being the drafting of the city-wide Tree Ordinance,and in so doing formally acknowledges the
importance of trees,shrubs and other plant materials as natural assets within the community. Under
the authorship of Mr. Thomas Armstrong,Principal Planner,the Revision Draft dated December 2,
1996, brought forth by the Parks and Recreation Board, presents a cohesive document which
provides for the careful management of our urban forest and promulgates a no-net-loss policy with
respect to the existing tree canopy.
In order that the intent of the proposed Tree Ordinance be uncompromisingly served,the provisions
which guide the conservation and enhancement of the City of Elgin's urban forest would need to
apply to significant future development. Developers of commercial, industrial and multi-family
projects ought not to be excluded from the requirements of this ordinance. Unless at their sole
election to either utilize a planned development process or to engage in the subdivision of land,
developers would enjoy such exclusion from the applicability of this ordinance.
To implement a no-net-loss policy at the exclusion of all land developed in conformance with
standard Zoning Ordinance requirements would yield neither a uniform nor complete public benefit.
The Gifford Park Association therefore supports vigorously the full application of the provisions of
the Tree Ordinance to all land use development of commercial,industrial and multi-family(projects
containing three or more dwelling units). Only with the adoption of comprehensive applicability do
we believe that the full advantage of this ordinance can be realized for the betterment of our
environment and the improvement to our city's image.
Respectfully yours,
Brian D. Anderson
Vice-President
c: Thomas Armstrong,Planning Department
Roger Dieringer,Izaak Walton League
I
Izaak Walton League of America
•
incorporated
Elgin Chapter
899 Jay Street * P.O. Box 622
Elgin, Il. 60120-0622
(847) 742-8953
FAX (847) 741-9480
Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council, •
As you know from our recent correspondence to you we are heartened by the fact
that the Elgin Parks and Recreation Board has submitted a final draft of the Tree
Ordinance to you for enactment. However, having stated our satisfaction with this,
Elgin's chapter of the Izaak Walton League would be remiss were we to leave you with
the impression that the Tree Ordinance is one that our membership wholly endorses at this
time.
Where no one in our local chapter expects that the tree ordinance would ever be
perfect in everyone's eyes, there remains one issue upon which we cannot and believe our
citizens are not willing to compromise: Where the Tree Ordinance applies to all public
property, that is our streets, thoroughfares and public parks; and, where the ordinance
applies to all new subdivisions and planned unit developments; it does not, however, as
yet, apply to commercial property. We humbly submit that where the utility companies
and developers of subdivisions and planned unit developments must abide by the
ordinance.., commercial developers should be required to abide by the ordinance as well.
Elgin's Tree Ordinance must be made to apply to commercial property:
Therefore, we respectfully recommend the following changes (In bold italics) to
the current draft of the Tree Ordinance:
That,
Section 22.05.400 APPLICABILITY.., be changed to read;
A. -Jurisdiction. The provisions of this title...,
B. General Application. All trees, shrubs, and other plant materials..., shall be
subject to this title. The tree conservation provisions of this title shall
apply to all land which is subject to subdivision, planned unit development,
commercial and/or industrial development review and approval by the
City of Elgin.
C. Minimum Requirements. The application of the provisions of..,
Section 22.10.100 TREE CONSERVATION.., be changed to read;
A. Trees Generally. Isolated trees measuring four inches in diameter or larger
at breast height (SR), and wooded areas shall be preserved in the
installation of site improvements in subdivisions, planned unit
developments, commercial and/or industrial developments as provided
herein. Consideration shall be given ...,
We believe that the essential aim of this ordinance must be to establish a"No Net
Loss" policy throughout our community. We have engaged in this struggle along side the
Parks and Recreation Department and the Board in an effort to establish a policy which
provides for the full replacement of significant trees within the municipal boundaries of our
community. Gone must be the days when we allow the clear cutting of free standing
forests anywhere in our community without a plan to replace those forests. Elgin's
Chapter of the Izaak Walton League believes that the clear cutting of trees without their
replacement offends our community's enlightened notions of conservation. Again, we
salute the Parks and Recreation Board's establishment of a"No Net Loss" policy with
respect to subdivisions and planned unit developments, however, we respectfully
recommend that the Tree Ordinance be made to apply to commercial property as well.
Additionally, we respectfully request that the Tree Ordinance be submitted to a
sixty (60) day hearing for public review. Sixty days, we feel, will be necessary for the
various community organizations such as Elgin's Heritage and Image Commissions, Elgin
Proud and Beautiful, the various environmental and neighborhood groups, realtors,
developers, the tree services and any other organization(s) or persons who may be
affected by this ordinance to offer their comments to you. We recommend that the Tree
Ordinance come to the City Council for enactment only after those citizens who choose to
comment on the ordinance have been allowed to do so.
Most respectfully,
E.11^- C31/'2AA4
Roger Dieringer
President of the Izaak Walton League
of America- Elgin Chapter
• . .
:. 41 • v
ii,• v G OW . .
• an Nu - 0 , , . .
I 1 .,,. .i,... !,_,..6, . ....t„. t7 , • ,
• , ,
- ,
HH : '
8 _0,
.. . .
) A P44,,,,O,c ,.., 94, 2 .
May 5, 1997 .
4-NZ.0`44.6/4,
0) 4 0
Mayor Kevin Kelly& Members of the Elgin City Council -
,.. ,
150 Dexter Court -
Elgin, Illinois 60120 - • ,
. ,
Dear City Council, • . .
• .
1 . '
. We are writing in regard to the proposed Tree Ordinance currently being developed for
the city of Elgin. . '
•
. ,
. It is the feeling of the North East Neighborhood Association board that the proposal needs
lc
•
to apply to all new development,that is, commercial as well as residential.
There are other matters of concern regarding our tree program: We find it disturbing that
many of the new trees which have been planted in the past few years have met with .
untimely deaths because of faulty planting techniques. The waste of time, money and live . .
. , plant material does not reflect well on our status as a "Tree City". Additonally, the
, 'pruning techinques which have been observed on many. trees have created some grotesque
specimens(this problem does not only occur with utilities'pruning, but with the general
city-wide pruning). We would also like to see a policy developed concering areas under
construction, where mature trees can be saved and relocated to parks or tree banks within '
! the city rather than be destroyed.
. •-.. Elgin needs to do all that is possible to insure a balanced forestry policy for the present
and with foresight for the future of our community. The blosomming trees on Grove
, Avenue make a wonderful presentation of the pride Elginites want to feel.
It is hoped that the council will take serious consideration regarding these matters in
creating the Tree Ordinance. •
. • , .
.... Sincerely, . .
•
..— ...._ .
?.. ' P-1.t. Buttell
President,NENA •
1
. .
. .
NorthEast Neighborhood Association • P.O. Box 1446. • Elgin, Illinois 60121
f
•