§ 15.26.040. Administration.

A.

Building Official. The provision of this section shall be implemented by the building official. The provisions contained in this section shall control in the event and to the extent they may conflict with other provisions contained in this chapter that do not relate to health and safety. The building official shall oversee regulation of maintenance and removal of heritage trees and shall enforce and administer the provisions of this section.

The building official shall work closely with all city departments and governmental entities and licensees, and franchisees thereof in order to promote and ensure the maximum protection of trees by the implementation and administration of this section.

Heritage trees may only be removed after a tree removal permit has been issued. The building official may approve a permit for removal, transplant, or replacement as specified in this division or deny a tree removal permit.

B.

Building Permits.

1.

Any applicant for industrial, commercial or residential building permits shall be provided a copy of the city tree preservation ordinance.

2.

Any applicant for industrial, commercial or residential building permits shall sign a statement that they have read and understand the city tree preservation ordinance before any building permits are issued.

C.

Stop Work Order. Whenever a continuous violation of the tree preservation ordinance will materially impair the city's direct ability to secure compliance with the tree preservation ordinance, when the continuous violation threatens the health or safety of the public or when the continuous violation threatens or harms the environment the building official may issue a stop work order specifying the violation and prohibit any work or activity at the site. The posting of the stop work order on the site shall be deemed adequate notice of the stop work order. Failure to comply with a stop work order shall constitute a violation of the tree preservation ordinance.

D.

Variance Procedure. The final authority on any variance request or appeal of any administrative decision arising from the application of this chapter rests with the city council. Such authority includes any matters addressed in this chapter that would otherwise be governed by Title 17 of this Code, Zoning, and otherwise subject to the final jurisdiction of the board of adjustment.

(Ord. No. 2018-03 , § 2, 4-10-2018)