HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.c. Boulevard Tree PolicyCITY OF ROSEMOUNT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE DATE: September 12, 2001
AGENDA ITEM: Boulevard Trees Policy
AGENDA SECTION:
Discussion
PREPARED BY: Jim Parsons
AGENDA NO.
Community Development Director
0� (2,
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ATTACHMENTS: None
APPROVED
Background
/ V
On August 15, the Committee of the Whole discussed an apparent inconsistency in the City's
policies and practices regarding boulevard trees. On one hand, the City has recently allowed
boulevard trees in the Bloomfield and Evermoor developments; this was done because mature
boulevard trees create an attractive, shaded streetscape. On the other hand, the City requires that
a home owner plant a tree outside of the right -of -way when the home owner wishes to replace a
diseased, damaged or undesireable boulevard tree, that is, the City does not allow the home
owner to plant the replacement tree in the boulevard.
Boulevard trees present a number of maintenance and infrastructure problems and costs to the
City. They often heave curb- and - gutter and sidewalks, they can be hit by snow plows and their
roots can interfere with underground utilities. The Committee discussed the relationship
between the width of the street right -of -way and the feasibility of planting boulevard trees. A
narrow right -of -way increases the problems associated with boulevard trees, suggesting that the
trees should be planted in front yards, not in the boulevard. A wide right -of -way may provide
enough room for boulevard trees, a sidewalk and underground utilities.
Committee members expressed concern about the liability and cost of boulevard trees, and
suggested that City policy should require property owners, not the City, to replace boulevard
and/or front yard trees.
Staff has contacted the City of Savage Planning Department to request a copy of its boulevard
tree policy. That policy was not on hand at the time of this staff report.
EXEC boulevard trees