Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver Municipal Code

Return to Chapter 12.04 STREET TREES (Repealed and Replaced by Ordinance M-3766)

Section 12.04.030 Authority and duties of the City Forester.

A.    The City Forester is that person designated by the director who is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this chapter.  No person may prevent, delay or interfere with the City Forester or any city employee in the administration or enforcement of this chapter.   

B.    The City Forester shall publish and regularly update a Street Tree Manual (“Manual”) that includes a list of approved street tree species.  Any person who plants a non-approved street tree species in the right-of-way may be subject to enforcement action, as authorized in VMC 12.04.100.  

C.    The Manual shall also include educational information regarding tree selection among approved street tree species, planting, protection, pruning, removal and other maintenance standards that are in compliance with the requirements of this chapter and the best management practices adopted by national arborist organizations.  The manual’s educational provisions are not subject to enforcement action, as authorized in VMC 12.04.100.  

D.    The City Forester may direct where a street tree must be planted so that a street tree achieves its mature size or full, environmental function.  Any person who violates this subsection may be subject to enforcement action, as authorized in VMC 12.04.100.

E.    The City Forester may also specify the procedures for accepting and processing applications for street tree work permits and street tree worker licenses.  

(M-3766, Repealed & Replaced, 10/16/2006, Sec 1, Prior Text)