Cashmere Municipal Code
Title 12
 

Title 12

STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND PARKS

Chapters:

12.04   Street and Alley Regulations

12.08   Sidewalk Maintenance and Repair

12.12   Snow and Ice Removal

12.16   Use of Sidewalk

12.20   Private Driveways

12.24   Park Regulations

12.26   Skateboard Park

12.28   Trees and Plants

 

Chapter 12.04

STREET AND ALLEY REGULATIONS

Sections:

12.04.010            Hauling material – Precautions required.

12.04.011            Definitions.

12.04.013            Permit required – Exception.

12.04.014            Application – Bond – Requisites – Amount.

12.04.016            Insurance – Type – Amount – Requisites.

12.04.018            Permit – Application – Fees.

12.04.019            Safety devices and barriers required.

12.04.020            Routing of traffic during construction.

12.04.022            Prosecution of work – Inspections.

12.04.024            Construction standards.

12.04.026            Restoration of surface – Failure to – City’s right to – Procedure.

12.04.028            Violations – Penalty.

12.04.030            Playing in street in business district prohibited.

12.04.040            Obstructions on street and sidewalks.

12.04.050            Obstructions in gutters.

 

12.04.010            Hauling material – Precautions required.

No person shall haul any dirt, stone, gravel, manure, or other substance or refuse upon any of the streets or alleys of the city unless his wagon or conveyance is so constructed with sideboard and end gates of sufficient height and capacity as to prevent the contents thereof from dropping or spilling. (Ord. 91 § 41, 1913).

 12.04.011            Definitions.

For the purpose of this chapter the following words, terms and phrases are hereby defined and shall have the meaning herein given to them.

A. “Public works coordinator” shall mean the public works coordinator or his duly authorized representative.

B. “Streets and alleys” shall mean and include streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, roads, highways, thoroughfares, parkways, bridges, viaducts, public grounds, public right-of-way and public improvements within the city of Cashmere.

C. “Maintenance, maintaining or maintained” shall mean the relaying, repairing, replacing, examining, testing, inspecting, removing, digging and excavating and restoring operations incidental thereto.

D. “Permittee” shall mean any person, company, partnership or corporation or its successors and assigns holding a permit to dig, excavate in, construct, lay, maintain and operate over, across, upon, along and under the present and future streets, alleys, sidewalks, curbs, roads, thoroughfares, parkways, bridges and public property and other places in the city of Cashmere.

E. “Person” shall mean any person, firm, association or corporation. (Ord. 987 § 2, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.013            Permit required – Exception.

It shall be unlawful for any person to dig up, break, excavate, tunnel, undermine, cut, or in any way obstruct or disturb any streets and alleys in the city of Cashmere or to till or plow in, place, leave or deposit in or upon any streets or alleys any earth, refuse, gravel, rock or other material or thing tending to obstruct, disturb or interfere with the free use of the same without first having obtained a permit and without complying with the provisions of this chapter; provided, however, that in case of any emergency arising other than during normal office hours, when an immediate excavation may be necessary for the protection of public or private property, the same shall be reported to the police department and the necessary excavation may be made upon the express condition that an application be made in the manner herein provided on or before noon of the following business day. (Ord. 987 § 3, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

12.04.014            Application – Bond – Requisites – Amount.

Permittee shall make application to the public works coordinator for a permit and in connection therewith shall file a bond in the minimum sum of $10,000, or such other sum as is established by the city administrator, conditioned on faithful performance of the terms of the permit and holding the city of Cashmere harmless from any loss, damage, cost or expense of any nature which may accrue to or be asserted against the city of Cashmere by reason of any activities of permittee, its successor or assigns under this chapter.

In addition, said bond shall also be conditioned that permittee will comply with all of the provisions of this chapter and in case the permit authorizes cutting into or under any streets or alleys in the city, said bond shall be further conditioned that the person acting under said permit shall replace the portion of said streets and alleys affected thereby and shall restore the same at permittee’s expense to as good or better condition within the time specified by the public works coordinator and that said permittee will maintain such street or alley so restored for a period of two years from and after such restoration. Settlement of the street or alley within a two-year period from the time the original work is completed shall be considered conclusive evidence of defective backfilling by the permittee. Acceptance of the work by the public works coordinator shall not prevent the city from making claim against the permittee for uncompleted or defective work if the same is discovered within two years of said acceptance. The fact that an inspector was present during the progress of any construction shall not relieve the permittee from responsibility for defects discovered after the completion of the work. (Ord. 987 § 4, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.016            Insurance – Type – Amount – Requisites.

Permittee shall at the time of applying for a permit as herein provided agree to indemnify and save the city harmless from any and all liability, loss, cost, damage or expense from accident or damage, either to himself or to persons and property of others, which may occur by reason of the exercise of the rights and privileges granted under said permit, and shall, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this section, and prior to commencing construction of any kind, have in full force and effect and filed evidence thereof with the city administrator, a good and sufficient policy (or policies) of insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence covering both personal injury and property damage with said policy (or policies) to be executed by an insurance company (or companies) authorized and qualified to do business in the state of Washington, naming the city as an additional insured, conditioned to indemnify and save harmless the city from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, liability, loss, costs, expense or damage of any kind or description which may accrue to or be suffered by anyone by reason of the erection, construction, reconstruction, relocation, replacing, readjustment, repair, maintenance or operation authorized pursuant to said permit or by reason of anything that has been done or may be done by the permittee hereunder which may in any way cause liability by reason thereof, said policies to remain in full force and effect during the exercise of the rights and privileges granted herein to permittee, its successors or assigns. (Ord. 987 § 5, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

12.04.018            Permit – Application – Fees.

A. Application for a permit shall be made to the public works coordinator on forms provided by him. With reference to public utilities, telephone and cable TV hereinafter shall be referred to as “utilities.” The coordinator of public works may adopt rules and regulations not inconsistent with this chapter authorizing a permit for such utilities when utilizing such utilities’ own work force on a project or planned seasonal basis. All other applicants shall seek permits on a project basis only.

B. The application shall be accompanied by plans, profiles and specifications of sufficient detail to allow the public works coordinator or his/her authorized representative to:

1. Understand the nature of the work, the exact location, and the extent of the work;

2. Make a determination that, if the permit is issued, the street and alley will be restored to the requirements of the city; and

3. Have an accurate record of the type and location of the facility being installed in and/or under the roadway.

In addition, the public works coordinator may require additional drawings, surveys and plans as he deems necessary to determine whether the proposed work conforms to standard specifications of the city and sound engineering and design practices.

C. Upon receipt of the approved application and such other requirements as he deems necessary, together with the appropriate payment of a fee, the public works coordinator shall issue the permit.

D. Permit fees shall be set by resolution of the city council and shall be published in the city of Cashmere general information and utility regulations and rates booklet, adopted by Resolution 11-94 on September 26, 1994. (Ord. 987 § 6, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.019            Safety devices and barriers required.

In case any public street, alley, pavement, curb, sidewalk or like improvement shall be dug up, excavated, undermined, cut or disturbed, the permittee shall cause to be erected and distributed, and at all times maintained throughout such excavation work, such barriers, lights, signs, flagmen and other safety devices as may be required by the public works department and the police department of the city, and in accordance with all state and federal standards, and failure to do so shall constitute a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 987 § 7, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.020            Routing of traffic during construction.

During construction, traffic shall be maintained at all times so as to cause as little inconvenience as possible to the occupants of abutting property and to the general public; provided, that the public works coordinator may permit the closing of streets or alleys to all traffic for a designated period of time if, in his opinion, it is necessary. The permittee shall route and control all traffic, including its own vehicles, as directed by the police department. Before any street or alley may be closed or restricted to traffic, permittee must receive the approval of the public works coordinator. (Ord. 987 § 8, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.022            Prosecution of work – Inspections.

A. Once work under the permit is commenced, permittee shall diligently complete the work in such a manner as to be of a minimal inconvenience to public.

B. Inspections of the work shall take place by the public works field supervisor as follows:

1. Prior to placement of crushed rock;

2. Prior to placement of temporary patch and/or first lift of permanent patch;

3. After placement of second lift of permanent patch; and

4. Additional inspections – no call required:

a. Eight to 12 months after completion; and

b. Twenty to 24 months after completion. (Ord. 987 § 9, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.024            Construction standards.

A. All work performed under a permit as authorized herein shall be pursuant to the latest edition of the Cashmere design standards manual for road and street construction as adopted by the city. In addition, work performed under the permit shall meet the following requirements:

1. All street cuts and/or trenches shall be permanently or temporarily patched prior to opening the street to vehicle traffic, except when a flagger(s) is continuously present;

2. All pavement cuts shall be made with a saw and shall be re-cut after placement of top rock. Crushed rock surfacing shall be a minimum of eight inches wider on each side of the original cut, or greater if necessary, as determined by the public works coordinator;

3. Final asphalt shall be placed pursuant to the Cashmere design standards manual for the designated class of street;

4. Crushed rock shall be placed pursuant to the Cashmere design standards manual for the designated class of street;

5. All asphalt-repaired sections shall be rectangular and not irregular in shape as determined by the public works coordinator;

6. In cases where a trench is generally running parallel to the roadway and more than 100 feet in length, the permittee shall remove the existing roadway to the outer edge of the roadway in such cases where the outer edge of the permittee’s trench is within four feet of the edge of the roadway;

7. In cases where trenches are generally perpendicular to the roadway, such as side services, and the number is such that it represents more than one trench per 75 feet of street for a given block and the total number of trenches exceeds eight, the permittee or entity owning or operating the utility for which the service lines are being installed shall be required to:

a. Overlay the street if the existing surface pavement is less than five years old; and

b. Pay to the city a sum representing 33 percent of the cost of an overlay based on the most current overlay project cost to the city if the existing surface is between five and nine years old;

8. The city reserves the right to require the permittee to overlay all or any portion of the roadway in such case as the roadway (old bituminous streets) is so fragile that the work of the permittee will, or has, destroyed the integrity of the roadway;

9. All manholes, water valves, etc. shall be adjusted to final grade after patching is complete in accordance with the city of Cashmere standards design manual. (Ord. 987 § 10, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.026            Restoration of surface – Failure to – City’s right to – Procedure.

If the permittee shall have failed to restore the surface of the streets and alleys to their original and proper condition upon the expiration of the time fixed by such permit or upon the completion of the work allowed to be done under such permit, the public works coordinator shall if he deems it advisable have the right to do all work and things necessary to do so. The permittee shall be liable for the expense thereof upon the bond filed at the time of granting the permits, and the city shall have a cause of action for all fees, expenses and amounts paid out upon such work; provided, that in any case, it shall be the duty of the permittee to guarantee and maintain the area disturbed for two years after returning it to its original condition; provided further, that if, in the judgment of the public works coordinator, it is not expedient to replace the pavement over any cut or excavation made in any street or alley upon the completion of the work allowed under such permit, by reason of the looseness of the earth or weather conditions, he may direct the permittee to lay a temporary pavement of wood or other suitable material designated by him over such cut or excavation, to remain until such time as the repair of the original pavement may be properly made, and in case of the failure of the permittee to commence in good faith the replacing of such temporary pavement within five days after the date of such notice, the public works coordinator may lay such temporary pavement himself and collect the cost thereof from the permittee in the manner hereinbefore provided. (Ord. 987 § 11, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.028            Violations – Penalty.

Any person, partnership, association, firm or corporation who violates or fails to comply with this chapter is guilty of a civil infraction and is subject to the civil penalties, remedies and corrective actions as set forth in Chapter 14.13 CMC, which remedies are cumulative, not alternative remedies, and are in addition to any other remedy to which the city may be entitled by law. (Ord. 987 § 12, 2001; Ord. 91 § 42, 1913).

 12.04.030            Playing in street in business district prohibited.

No person shall play any game of ball or throw to and fro any ball or other thing in any street in the business district of the city. (Ord. 91 § 43, 1913).

 12.04.040            Obstructions on street and sidewalks.

No person shall deposit any building material or other matter, or erect or move any building in any street or alley so as to seriously or unnecessarily impede traffic, or remove any part of any public sidewalk without express permission of the city engineer, or leave any such material or building in any street or alley or any opening in any public sidewalk for any unnecessary length of time or during the nighttime without maintaining such lights or guards as to insure safety of travel, or explode any giant powder or other explosive without taking such precautions to secure any person or property from injury. (Ord. 91 § 44, 1913).

 12.04.050            Obstructions in gutters.

It is unlawful for any person to deposit or suffer to be deposited, or, when falling, placed or put therein to leave or suffer to be left any snow, ice, dirt, rubbish or other substance in any of the gutters of the public streets of the city so as to prevent the free flow of the water in the gutter abutting upon the property owned or occupied by him or them. (Ord. 91 § 61, 1913).

 Chapter 12.08

SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

Sections:

12.08.010            Responsibility of property owner.

12.08.020            Notice to clear or repair.

12.08.030            Assessment.

 

12.08.010            Responsibility of property owner.

Whenever any street, lane, square, place, or alley in the city has been improved by the construction of a sidewalk or sidewalks along either or both sides thereof, the duty, burden, and expense of maintenance, repair, and renewal of such sidewalk or sidewalks shall devolve upon the property directly abutting upon the side of such street, lane, square, place, or alley along which such sidewalk has been constructed, as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 304 § 1, 1950).

 12.08.020            Notice to clear or repair.

Whenever in the judgment of the officer or department of the city charged with the inspection and care of sidewalks the condition of any sidewalk is such as to render the same unfit or unsafe for purposes of public travel, the officer or department shall thereupon serve a notice on the owner of the property immediately abutting upon the sidewalk, apprising the owner of the condition of the sidewalk, instructing the owner to clear, repair, or renew the same. Such notice shall be served in the manner prescribed in Section 9331, Remington’s Revised Statutes of Washington, and shall specify a reasonable time within which cleaning, repairs, or renewal shall be executed by the said owner, and shall state that, in the case the owner fails to do so within the time specified, the officer or department will proceed to do so, and will report to the city council at its next regular meeting or as soon thereafter as possible, the date to be definitely stated, an assessment roll specifying the parcel of land abutting on the portion of the sidewalk so maintained, repaired, or renewed, the cost of the same, the name of the owner if known, and that on said date the council will hear any or all protests against the proposed assessment. (Ord. 304 § 2, 1950).

 12.08.030            Assessment.

The city council shall, at the time in the notice designated or at an adjourned time or times, assess the cost of such work against the abutting property in accordance with the benefits derived therefrom, which charge shall become a lien upon said property and shall be collected by due process of law. All property having a frontage upon the sides or margin of any street, lane, square, place, or alley shall be deemed to be abutting property and the same shall be chargeable as provided by this chapter for all costs of maintenance, repairs, and renewal of any form of sidewalk improvement between the street margin and any roadway lying in front of or adjacent to such property. “Sidewalk” includes any and all structures or forms of street improvement included in the space between the street margin and the roadway. (Ord. 304 § 3, 1950).

 

Chapter 12.12

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL

Sections:

12.12.010            Required when.

12.12.020            Removal by city – When.

12.12.030            Removal by city – Costs to owner.

 

12.12.010            Required when.

All snow or ice falling, remaining, or being upon the sidewalks or any sidewalk of or in and for the city shall be removed from the sidewalk or sidewalks by the person or persons, firm or corporation owning or occupying the lot or lots, property or parcel of land adjacent to or abutting upon the sidewalk or sidewalks within 24 hours after the same has fallen or been placed or put thereon, or being thereon. Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished in accordance with CMC 1.20.010. (Ord. 583 § 1, 1979; Ord. 56 § 1, 1908).

 12.12.020            Removal by city – When.

If any person, persons, firm or corporation fails or refuses to remove the snow or ice from the sidewalks adjacent to or abutting upon his or their lots, property or parcel of land within the city as provided for in CMC 12.12.010, it shall be lawful for the city, through the city marshal or other officer, when directed to do so, to remove the snow and ice or cause the same to be so removed (Ord. 56 § 2, 1908).

 12.12.030            Removal by city – Costs to owner.

When any snow and ice are removed from any of the sidewalks in the city by the city, as provided for in CMC 12.12.020, the costs and expenses of removing the snow and ice shall be charged against the owner or owners of the property adjacent to and abutting upon the sidewalk or sidewalks, where violation of this chapter takes place, and, if not paid by said owner or owners, shall be returned as a tax levied by the city against the property, lot, or parcel of land, and collected in the same manner as other taxes of the city are by law collected. (Ord. 56 § 3, 1908).

 Chapter 12.16

USE OF SIDEWALK

Sections:

12.16.010            Prohibited acts.

 

12.16.010            Prohibited acts.

It is unlawful for any person to ride, drive or lead any animal, or move or propel any vehicle, except a light carriage for the conveyance of children, invalid chairs or light hand pushcarts propelled only by a human being along or over any sidewalk, said carts not to exceed three feet in width, and wheels thereof to be shod with rubber tires, upon demand of the city council duly made, and to be used by the owner or person in possession thereof in such a manner as not to interfere with the free use and enjoyment of the sidewalk by foot pedestrians, unless for the purpose of necessarily crossing the same; or to cross any sidewalk with a heavy load without effectually protecting the sidewalk by plank or similar device; or to let any vehicle or animal stand on any sidewalk; or to throw, split, or cut firewood, lumber or brick, rock or stone, or mix mortar on any sidewalk; or to leave or to place any goods, boxes or merchandise of any kind on any public sidewalk so as to obstruct the passage of pedestrians over and along the same; or to use any sidewalk at any time for displaying or storing purposes, or occupy part of any street, alley or sidewalk with any wagon, stand, table or device for show purposes, or for sale of goods, wares or merchandise of any kind without securing a public license to do so; or open boxes of goods, wares or merchandise, on any sidewalk or any public place in the city; or to pile wood, boxes, lumber or other material upon any of the sidewalks, streets, alleys, or public places except as provided for in building permits. (Ord. 99 § 1, 1914; Ord. 91 § 48, 1913).

 

Chapter 12.20

PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS

Sections:

12.20.010            Permit – Required.

12.20.020            Permit – Plan approval prerequisite.

12.20.030            Liability agreement required.

 

12.20.010            Permit – Required.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to break the curbing and/or sidewalk or any part thereof or to place any obstruction upon any sidewalk in the city in the construction of a private driveway on or across the same, or to use any sidewalk for a driveway without first obtaining a permit to do so from the superintendent of utilities of the city. (Ord. 540 § 1, 1977; Ord. 234 § 1, 1936).

 12.20.020            Permit – Plan approval prerequisite.

No application for a permit to construct a private driveway over or across a sidewalk in the city shall be granted until plans and specifications for the construction of the same shall have been approved by the building inspector. (Ord. 234 § 2, 1936).

 12.20.030            Liability agreement required.

No permit for the use of a sidewalk for a driveway or the construction of a driveway over such sidewalk shall be granted without the written agreement of the owner of the premises served by such driveway agreeing to save the city harmless for all damages sustained to persons or property by reasons of the use of such sidewalk as a driveway, and further agreeing to maintain the same and restore such sidewalk to its former condition. (Ord. 234 § 3, 1936).

 

Chapter 12.24

PARK REGULATIONS

Sections:

12.24.010            Park hours designated.

12.24.020            Littering prohibited.

12.24.030            Civil penalties.

 

12.24.010            Park hours designated.

It is unlawful to camp in any park of the city or to remain, stay, or loiter in any park between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except that overnight use of parks may be permitted for special purposes upon approval by the mayor. (Ord. 574 § 1, 1978; Ord. 481 § 1, 1974).

 12.24.020            Littering prohibited.

It is unlawful to throw any refuse, garbage, broken glass, crockery, nails, shrubbery, trimmings, junk, or advertising matter in any park or to deposit any such material therein except in designated receptacles. (Ord. 481 § 2, 1974).

 12.24.030            Civil penalties.

Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall pay a civil penalty of $50.00 for the first offense, a civil penalty of $100.00 for the second offense, and a civil penalty of $250.00 for the third offense or any subsequent offense. (Ord. 904 § 1, 1997).

 

Chapter 12.26

SKATEBOARD PARK

Sections:

12.26.010            Purpose.

12.26.020            Bicycles and scooters prohibited.

12.26.030            Littering prohibited.

12.26.040            Graffiti prohibited.

12.26.050            No structures allowed other than city approved equipment.

12.26.060            Alcohol and illegal substances prohibited.

12.26.070            Civil penalties.

 

12.26.010            Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide guidelines for use of the city’s Skateboard Park, its facilities and equipment and to establish penalties for violation of this chapter. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002).

 12.26.020            Bicycles and scooters prohibited.

The use of bicycles, scooters, tricycles, or any similar wheeled device except skateboards or rollerblades for which the Skateboard Park equipment was intended is hereby prohibited. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002).

 12.26.030            Littering prohibited.

It is unlawful to throw any refuse, garbage, waste, broken glass, crockery, nails, shrubbery, trimmings, junk, or advertising matter in any park or to deposit any such material therein except in designated receptacles. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002).

 12.26.040            Graffiti prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to write, paint or draw upon any wall, pavement, fence, gate, or other structure, tree, or other real or personal property in the Skateboard Park, any drawing, inscription, figure or mark of the type which is commonly known and referred to as “graffiti.” (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002). 

12.26.050            No structures allowed other than city approved equipment.

It shall be unlawful for any person to erect or construct either permanent or temporary ramps, jumps, bars or other equipment not approved by the city. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002).

 12.26.060            Alcohol and illegal substances prohibited.

It shall be unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages or illegal substances within the Skateboard Park. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002).

 12.26.070            Civil penalties.

Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of a civil infraction. Any person who commits a civil infraction shall pay a penalty of $50.00 for the first offense, $100.00 for the second offense, and $250.00 for the third or any subsequent offense. (Ord. 1013 § 1, 2002).

 

Chapter 12.28

TREES AND PLANTS

Sections:

12.28.010            Short title.

12.28.020            Purpose.

12.28.030            Definitions.

12.28.040            Enforcement authority.

12.28.050            Tree committee - Appointment - Advisory function.

12.28.060            Permission required to plant or remove trees.

12.28.070            Master street tree plan adopted.

12.28.080            Prohibited trees and plantings.

12.28.090            Permit required to cut, prune or spray vegetation - Exception.

12.28.100            Exceptions to CMC 12.28.090.

12.28.110            Nuisances - Owner's duty - Action by city.

12.28.120            Infected or infested plant materials - Inspection and removal authority.

12.28.130            Prohibited acts.

12.28.140            Blanket permits for public utilities.

12.28.150            Permit - Contents - Expiration.

12.28.160            Interference with superintendent prohibited.

12.28.170            Appeals.

12.28.180            Master tree plan.

 

12.28.010            Short title.

The ordinance codified in this chapter shall be hereafter referenced to and cited as the "Tree Ordinance of the City of Cashmere, Washington." (Ord. 488 § 2, 1975).

 12.28.020            Purpose.

It is for the best interest of the city and of the citizens and public thereof that a comprehensive master plan for planting and maintenance of trees in public places within the city is adopted for the purpose of developing and providing such a plan and program, and for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations relating to the planting, care and maintenance of such trees. (Ord. 488 § 1, 1975).

 12.28.030            Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the words and phrases in this section have the meanings ascribed to them as follows:

A. "Owner" includes the legal owner of real property fronting any highway, street of the city, or park, and any lessee of such owner.

B. "Park" includes all public parks having individual names.

C. "Persons" includes all firms, associations, corporations, and persons connected with such firms, associations, and corporations.

D. "Public places" includes all other grounds owned by the city.

E. "Street" or "highway" includes all lands lying between the so-called property lines on either side of all public streets, roads, boulevards and alleys or parts thereof.

F. "Superintendent of utilities" means the superintendent of utilities of the city.

G. "Trees and shrubs" includes all woody vegetation now and hereafter growing on any public street or highway or public place. (Ord. 488 § 4, 1975).

 12.28.040            Enforcement authority.

The mayor and the city council, through the superintendent of utilities or his duly authorized representative, shall have full power, authority, jurisdiction and control of the planting, location and placement of all trees in the public streets and areas of the city and shall likewise have supervision, direction and control of the care, trimming, removal, relocation and placement thereof and shall be charged with the enforcement of this chapter. (Ord. 488 § 3, 1975).

 12.28.050            Tree committee - Appointment - Advisory function.

The mayor and city council may annually appoint a committee of not more than seven citizens to sit as members of the tree committee. The tree committee shall provide the mayor and the superintendent of utilities with advice and information as to the supervision, direction and control of the care, trimming, removal and relocation and placement of vegetation in the public streets and areas of the city. It is understood that the committee shall act in an advisory capacity only. (Ord. 488 § 3, 1975).

 12.28.060            Permission required to plant or remove trees.

No trees or shrubs shall be placed in or removed from any street, public parking strip or other public place in the city without written permission from the superintendent of utilities. (Ord. 488 § 5, 1975).

 12.28.070            Master street tree plan adopted.

All trees and shrubs planted in any public parking strip or other public place in the city shall conform as to species and location to the master street tree plan which is codified in CMC 12.28.180. (Ord. 488 § 6, 1975).

 12.28.080            Prohibited trees and plantings.

It is unlawful to plant in any street or other public place in the city any tree of the cottonwood, box elder, Chinese elm, or poplar species or to plant any shrubs or hedges in the streets or other public places of the city, except that shrubs and hedges may be planted in designated public parks. In the case of a corner lot, existing hedges, shrubs, or any other plant material within 30 feet of the street intersection shall be trimmed and maintained so as not to stand more than three feet above the level of the sidewalk. On corners where existing embankments, retaining walls or other objects are placed, no plant materials shall be planted unless by permit from the superintendent of utilities. (Ord. 488 § 7, 1975).

 12.28.090            Permit required to cut, prune or spray vegetation - Exception.

It is unlawful and is prohibited for any person other than the superintendent of utilities or his duly authorized agent or deputy to cut, trim, prune, spray, brace, plant, move, or replace any tree in any public street or other public place within the city, or to cause the same to be done, unless and until written permit to do so shall have first been obtained from the superintendent of utilities. Any such permit may be declared void by the superintendent if its terms are violated. Nothing in this section shall be construed so as to apply to the removal, under the direction of the city engineer's department, or the department of public works, of any root, tree, shrub, or plant or parts thereof when such removal is necessary for the construction of any sidewalks, sewer or public improvement, after having first notified the superintendent of utilities; except, that the superintendent of utilities shall give public notice of at least 30 days of the removal of any root, tree, shrub, or plant or parts thereof. Such notice shall be in the local legal newspaper and shall afford citizens the opportunity to object to the removal of such vegetation. Such notice requirement shall be suspended when an emergency situation exists. (Ord. 488 § 8, 1975).

 12.28.100            Exceptions to CMC 12.28.090.

No person other than an owner or public utility may do any act for which a permit is required under CMC 12.28.090 except a person whose principal business is tree surgery, trimming or maintenance and who, in the opinion of the superintendent of utilities, is qualified for such business or who has obtained a permit and paid the required license fee to carry on such business in the city. (Ord. 488 § 9, 1975).

 12.28.110            Nuisances - Owner's duty - Action by city.

Any tree growing on a public alley, street or highway, but so located as to extend its branches over a public alley, street, or highway, shall be so trimmed by the owner of the property on which the tree stands, or by his agents, that there shall be a clear height of 12 feet above the surface of the street, alley or highway and eight feet above the surface of the sidewalks unobstructed by branches, and such owner or his agents shall remove all dead branches and stubs of such tree or trees which are or may become a menace to travelers on the public highways, streets, alleys or sidewalks of the city. Trees with roots which are causing upraised sidewalk slabs or are similarly causing trouble are declared a nuisance. If a tree or its parts in any other way cause a hindrance to the general public, or if it is considered troublesome, or in any way may endanger the security and usefulness of any public street, highway, alley, sewer or sidewalk, as determined by the superintendent of utilities, it is declared to be a public nuisance. If the owner of such private property does not correct or remove such nuisances within a reasonable time specified in writing by the superintendent of utilities, the superintendent shall cause the nuisance to be corrected or removed and the cost shall be assessed to such owner. (Ord. 488 § 10, 1975).

 12.28.120            Infected or infested plant materials - Inspection and removal authority.

The superintendent of utilities may inspect all trees, shrubs and logs upon any property within the city limits. Upon discovering any such above mentioned plant materials to be infested with any serious disease or insects detrimental to the growth, health and life of such plants or adjoining plants, the superintendent of utilities shall at once notify in writing the owner, agent or occupant of the premises whereon the same is located of the condition thereof, and direct such person to eradicate, remove, and destroy these plant materials. If the owner, agent or occupant fails to comply within the time specified by the superintendent of utilities, he shall correct such conditions and the cost assessed to such owner, agent or occupant. (Ord. 488 § 11, 1975).

 12.28.130            Prohibited acts.

A. Except to abate a nuisance as defined in this chapter, it is a violation of this chapter to:

1. Fasten any sign, card, poster, wire, rope or other material to or around or through any public tree or shrub, or its guard, in the city, without a written permit of the superintendent of utilities, except in emergencies such as storms or accidents;

2. Deposit, place, store or maintain upon any public area of the city any stone, brick, sand, concrete or other materials which may impede the free passage of water, air and fertilizer to the roots of any tree or shrub growing therein;

3. Break, injure, mutilate, kill or destroy any tree or shrub, or permit any fire to burn where such fire will injure any portion of any tree or shrub in any public area; no person shall permit any toxic chemical to seep, drain or be emptied on or about any public tree or shrub; no person shall knowingly permit electric wires to come in contact with any public trees or shrubs unless protected by approved methods; and no person shall attach any electrical insulation to any public tree or shall excavate any ditches, tunnels or trenches, or lay any drive within a radius of 10 feet from any public tree or shrub without first obtaining permission from the superintendent of utilities. During building operations the builder shall erect suitable protective barriers around public trees or shrubs apt to be injured;

4. Permit any leaks to exist in any gas pipes or mains laid beneath the surface of any street, alley or public place in the city by any person, firm, or corporation owning, maintaining, or operating such gas pipes or mains, or permit any leaks to exist within 40 feet of any tree now or hereafter growing in any street or public place in the city, and in the event that leaks exist or occur in such pipes or mains, it shall be the duty of the person, firm, or corporation owning or operating such defective pipes or mains to repair the same immediately, and stop such leak in a manner so as to prevent a recurrence of the same, and upon receiving written notice from the superintendent of utilities calling the attention of such person, firm, or corporation to the same.

B. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of an infraction which shall be punished by a fine of not more than $50.00 for the first offense and not more than $100.00 for each subsequent offense. (Ord. 848 § 1, 1995; Ord. 488 § 12, 1975).

 12.28.140            Blanket permits for public utilities.

Upon application to the superintendent of utilities by a telephone, telegraph, electric power or public service corporation or utility, to trim trees, or perform other operations affecting public trees or shrubs, including the activities otherwise prescribed in CMC 12.28.100, or upon application of qualified contractors who have entered into contracts with a telephone, telegraph, electric power or other public service corporation or utility to trim trees or perform other operations affecting public trees or shrubs, the superintendent of utilities shall grant a blanket permit, good until revoked for cause, covering all tree trimming and other operations affecting public trees or shrubs in the city by such telephone, telegraph, electric power or other public service corporation or utility or qualified contractor. The superintendent of utilities shall be notified of when and where such operations shall take place. The amount of such trimming or extent of the other operations shall be done in a neat, workmanlike manner, and according to generally accepted practices. If necessary, the superintendent of utilities may assign an inspector to supervise the provisions of the permit and the cost of such service shall be charged to the public service corporation or utility or contractor at cost. (Ord. 488 § 13, 1975).

 12.28.150            Permit - Contents - Expiration.

Every permit granted by the mayor, or his authorized agent, shall specifically describe the work to be done under it and shall expire at the end of not exceeding 60 days from the date of its issuance, except for those permits issued under CMC 12.28.140. No charge shall be made for any permit. (Ord. 488 § 14, 1975).

 12.28.160            Interference with superintendent prohibited.

No person shall prevent, delay or interfere with the superintendent of utilities or any of his assistants in the execution or enforcement of this chapter; provided, however, that nothing in this chapter shall be construed as an attempt to prohibit a public hearing or to prohibit any remedy, legal or equitable, in any court of competent jurisdiction for the protection of the property rights by the owner of any property within the city. (Ord. 488 § 15, 1975).

 12.28.170            Appeals.

Appeals from order made under this chapter may be made by filing written notice thereof with the city clerk-treasurer within 10 days after such order is received, stating in substance that appeal is being made from such order to the city council. The clerk-treasurer thereupon shall call such appeal to the attention of the city council at the next regular succeeding meeting, at which meeting the appellant and the superintendent of utilities may present evidence, unless a future date is set for hearing the appeal. Action taken by the city council after such a public hearing shall be conclusive. (Ord. 488 § 16, 1975).

 12.28.180            Master tree plan.

It is the intent of the ordinance codified in this chapter to accomplish the forestation and reforestation of the public areas of the city of Cashmere with species that are compatible with our locale and each particular location. Placement of vegetation should be consistent with the pedestrian and vehicular needs of our community. Maintenance and care for the public trees, as well as dissemination of information on the subject of tree care and maintenance will be the responsibility of the city of Cashmere and its designated representatives. (Ord. 488, 1975).

 
 
Designed in FrontPage 2002. Contact the Webmaster
Copyright © 2001 [Clear Focus, Inc.] All rights reserved.
Revised: Monday, October 20, 2003.