A.    The city of Grass Valley recognizes that specific trees in Grass Valley are deserving of special status due to distinctive form, size, age, location, species, unique qualities, or historical significance.

    B.    Any person may nominate, with the written consent of the property owner, a mature tree for consideration as a heritage tree. This nomination shall include all information necessary for evaluation based on the items described in subsection A of this section. The planning commission shall review all nominations and shall make a written final recommendation to the city council. The city council shall review the recommendation and make the final determination for heritage tree status.

    C.    Should the council approve the nomination, the tree shall be included on the heritage tree list adopted by resolution of the city council. The property owner shall be notified of the council’ s action.

    D.    Once designated, a heritage tree shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this chapter. The maintenance of any and all heritage trees on private property continues to be the responsibility of the property owner.

    E.    A heritage tree may be removed from the list by the city council upon its own motion or upon written request by the property owner. A request by the owner must state the reasons for removal from the list. The council shall have the right to determine removal or addition to the list. The council may utilize criteria in their decision on the removal of the heritage tree including, but not limited to, the tree is dead or dying or represents an immediate danger of collapse.

    F.    No tree removal permit for any tree designated as a heritage tree shall be issued by the city until such tree is removed from the heritage tree list by formal action of the city council. (Ord. 646 § 2 (part), 2005)