It is now recognized that the planting and preservation of trees enhance the natural scenic beauty of the city, increase life-giving oxygen, promote ecological balance, provide natural ventilation, air filtration, temper the effect of extreme temperatures, increase property values, improve the lifestyle of residents, and enhance the identity of the city.
For these reasons the city council finds that in order to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the city, while at the same time recognizing individual rights to development private property in a manner which will not be prejudicial to the public interest, nor prohibit development of private property, it is necessary to enact regulations governing the planting, removal and preservation of street trees, heritage trees, specimen trees and landmark trees on public property and specified private property within the city. (Ord. No. 1230, § 4 (part); Ord. No. 1300 § 4 (part).)