Tree Board

The Board shall prepare or update annually a written citywide tree master plan that guides the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal, or disposition of trees on public lands. The plan shall consider existing and future utility locations and environmental factors in relation to existing and future tree species on public lands or on private lands, as provided in this Article or other applicable provisions of the Code. The Board shall grant appropriate variances and hear appeals from any decision of the City Arborist regarding the enforcement of this Article 6 of Chapter 4 regarding tree preservation and replacement. The Board shall make recommendations to the City Arborist and the Mayor and Council. The Board shall act on other matters designated by this Article or this UDO or by the Mayor and Council.

Appointments by the City Council shall be made so that seven members of the Tree Board consist of representatives from each of the following groups: (1) A public utility providing service within the City; (2) An educator employed by Columbus State University, the Muscogee County School District, or Columbus Technical College whose principal field of activity is science and/or the environment; (3) The Director or a Commissioner of Keep Columbus Beautiful; (4) A representative of the development or building community of the City working primarily in commercial or industrial development; (5) A representative of the development or building community of the City working primarily in residential development; (6) A representative of an environmental advocacy group headquartered in the City; and (7) A representative who is a landscape or forestry professional. The additional four members appointed by the City Council shall be appointed from the public at large. The City Arborist shall serve as an advisor and as an ex officio member of the board but shall not have the right to vote as a Board member.