Spokane Municipal Code

Title 12 Public Ways and Property

Chapter 12.02 Obstruction, Encroachment of Public Ways

Article V. Urban Forestry Program

Section 12.02.900 Findings, Purpose, and Intent

1. The City of Spokane recognizes that the design of the urban environment must ultimately be for the benefit of the quality of life of the human inhabitants, and that a healthy urban forest is a key component of the quality of life.

2. The focus of the urban forestry program is to balance competing needs of the community, in the context of limited municipal resources, while promoting and maintaining a healthy urban forest.

3. The City of Spokane intends, by enacting this chapter, to:

1. 1. promote the restoration and preservation of desirable trees and shrubs;

1. 2. advocate for the establishment and retention of adequate tree planting spaces while considering the community’s desire for urban aesthetics; and

1. 3. as resources may allow, to address problems arising from improper planting, maintenance, or removal of trees and shrubs.

4. The implementation of this Article V is at all times subject to appropriations. It is not a purpose of this article to create or expand any duty, responsibility, or liability on the part of the City of Spokane, its officers, agents, employees, or contractors. Any such duty nonetheless deemed created does not extend to any specific or identifiable person or class. Additionally, nothing in this article and no action taken or inaction by the City, its officers, agents, employees, or contractors shall reduce the responsibility of other persons or entities for intentional or negligent acts or omissions, including failure to maintain their property, curtilage or related areas with reasonable care. This subsection (D) controls all other provisions.

Date Passed: Monday, April 22, 2019

Effective Date: Monday, May 27, 2019

ORD C35758 Section 1

Section 12.02.900 Findings, Purpose, and Intent

1. The City of Spokane recognizes that the design of the urban environment must ultimately be for the benefit of the quality of life of the human inhabitants, and that a healthy urban forest is a key component of the quality of life.

2. The focus of the urban forestry program is to balance competing needs of the community, in the context of limited municipal resources, while promoting and maintaining a healthy urban forest.

3. The City of Spokane intends, by enacting this chapter, to:

1. 1. promote the restoration and preservation of desirable trees and shrubs;

1. 2. advocate for the establishment and retention of adequate tree planting spaces while considering the community’s desire for urban aesthetics; and

1. 3. as resources may allow, to address problems arising from improper planting, maintenance, or removal of trees and shrubs.

4. The implementation of this Article V is at all times subject to appropriations. It is not a purpose of this article to create or expand any duty, responsibility, or liability on the part of the City of Spokane, its officers, agents, employees, or contractors. Any such duty nonetheless deemed created does not extend to any specific or identifiable person or class. Additionally, nothing in this article and no action taken or inaction by the City, its officers, agents, employees, or contractors shall reduce the responsibility of other persons or entities for intentional or negligent acts or omissions, including failure to maintain their property, curtilage or related areas with reasonable care. This subsection (D) controls all other provisions.

Date Passed: Monday, April 22, 2019

Effective Date: Monday, May 27, 2019

ORD C35758 Section 1