TREES AND SHRUBS

Reno Administrative Code tit. 8, ch. 8.32

in effect

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.005 Purpose.

Sec. 8.32.005. - Purpose. It is the purpose of this chapter to promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare by prohibiting the planting and care of the types or kinds of trees that may be hazardous, susceptible to disease and insects, or injurious to sidewalks and curbs and by providing for the planting and growth of trees for the beautification of the streets of the city, and to that end to control and regulate the types or kinds of trees permitted to be planted on, or along the streets. (Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.010 Definitions.

Sec. 8.32.010. - Definitions. The following words and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them: ANSI A300 means the current edition of the American National Standards Institute Standard Practices for Trees, Shrubs, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance. Approved list includes all species of trees approved by the Reno Urban Forestry Commission as amended from time to time. Direct supervision means the supervisor shall be within normal voice range and within sight of the persons being supervised. ISA certified arborist and certified tree worker means an individual who holds a valid and current certification as an arborist or tree worker issued by the International Society of Arboriculture. Landmark trees includes those trees on public property having special status due to their age, size, shape, species, location, historical association, visual quality or other contribution to the city's character. Parkway includes that portion of public right-of-way situated between the curbline of any street and the property line abutting and adjoining any street. In the absence of a curb, the curbline of a street shall be deemed to be the edge of that portion of public right-of-way maintained and open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel. Proper pruning means pruning that conforms to the current edition of the ANSI A300 Standards and includes cutting or removing any part of the branching structure of a tree in the crown, trunk, or root areas. Public place includes all land or property owned, or held, or under the control of the city. Red tag means an order to stop work until certain specific conditions are met. Street or highway includes all lands lying between the property lines on either side of all highways, public streets, roads, and alleys as defined in section 6.04.020. This definition includes, but is not limited to, sidewalks. Topping, also known as heading, stubbing, dehorning, or lopping, refers to the cutting back of the central leader, stem, or limbs to stubs within the tree's crown so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Because of numerous problems caused by topping, it is not an accepted practice and shall not be performed on any tree protected under this chapter unless a specific exemption is approved by the urban forester under section 8.32.060(e). Trees, plants, shrubs, and vines shall include all woody vegetation; and where applicable, the word "plants" herein shall include all of these things. Urban forester is that person who shall have such duties and perform such functions as shall be prescribed herein and who shall be subject to the direction and control of the city manager or his designee. Value of trees shall be determined by the urban forester using the most current edition of the International Society of Arboriculture "Guide for Establishing Values of Trees and Other Plants" as amended from time to time. (Code 1966, § 11.56.010; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.020 Enforcement.

Sec. 8.32.020. - Enforcement. The urban forester or his authorized representative shall be charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of this chapter. The urban forester, subject to the provisions of this chapter, is hereby authorized to: (1) Plant, prune, spray, preserve and remove trees in public places to ensure safety or preserve the symmetry and beauty of such public places. (2) Order the pruning, preservation or removal of trees upon private property when he shall find such action necessary for public safety or to prevent the spread of disease or insects to public trees and places. (3) Supervise all work done under a permit issued in accordance with the terms of this chapter. (4) Provide for the spacing of, or distance permitted from paved city areas of, all such trees. (5) Provide for the form of application for removal, or the planting of any such tree. (6) Establish and maintain a nursery for the growing of the types and kinds of trees permitted, and plant the same on public property. (7) "Red tag" jobs without permits, issue citations. (8) Advise the Reno Urban Forestry Commission for purposes of adding, amending or deleting procedures. (9) Enter upon private premises, with notice, at all reasonable hours, to inspect the premises where he may reasonably suspect a violation of this chapter. (10) Give notice to private property owners or residents of violations of this Code. (11) Take remedial measures as required by this Code when property owners or residents, after notice has been properly served, fail to take required action. (Code 1966, § 11.56.020; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.030 Control and supervision in public places.

Sec. 8.32.030. - Control and supervision in public places. The urban forester is hereby vested with the control and maintenance of the trees, plants, shrubs and vine upon the public streets, highways, parks and public places of the city. He may institute procedures for the setting out, care, and maintenance of such trees and shrubs. He may, at the request of the adjoining property owner, upon the payment of the appropriate fee by such property owner, supply and plant a tree(s) on public property. (Code 1966, § 11.56.030; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.035 Designation of landmark trees.

Sec. 8.32.035. - Designation of landmark trees. (a) Landmark trees shall be designated by the Reno Urban Forestry Commission. (b) The urban forester shall maintain a list of all trees so designated and their location. (Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.040 Necessity for permit to plant, prune, cut, spray, chemically treat or remove in public places.

Sec. 8.32.040. - Necessity for permit to plant, prune, cut, spray, chemically treat or remove in public places. (a) No tree, plant, shrub or vine shall be planted or set out upon any street or public place in the city, and no tree, plant, shrub or vine located upon any street or public place shall be removed, pruned, cut, shaped, sprayed or chemically treated without a written permit first being obtained from the urban forester. When such permit is for the setting out of trees, plants, shrubs or vines, it may prescribe the number, kind and distance apart thereof. Once planted, all such plants and any subsequent biomass resulting from tree removal or pruning, including firewood, becomes property of the City of Reno. (b) When for the removal, trimming, pruning, cutting, spraying or chemically treating thereof, the permit shall prescribe the number of such plants to be affected thereby and the manner and the performance of the work. Such permit shall be operative only when exercised subject to such regulations as the urban forester may adopt for the purpose as hereinabove mentioned. The urban forester, as a condition for a removal permit, may require compensation to the city for the value of the removed tree or trees or replacement. (c) Approval to remove landmark trees shall be at the discretion of the city council upon recommendation of the Reno Urban Forestry Commission. Removal of any landmark trees for construction activities shall require payment to the city for the value of the landmark tree. (Code 1966, § 11.56.040; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.050 Exemptions from permits.

Sec. 8.32.050. - Exemptions from permits. There shall be exempted from the provisions the requirement for a permit for any cutting or pruning done or performed by the city in order to comply with the provisions of this chapter. (Code 1966, § 11.56.060; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.060 Application for permits, power of revocation and appeal.

Sec. 8.32.060. - Application for permits, power of revocation and appeal. (a) Any person desiring to obtain a permit required by this chapter shall first file an application with the urban forester on a form prescribed by him. Every permit granted hereunder shall specifically describe the work to be done and the manner in which the work should be done, and shall be valid not more than 60 days after the date of its issuance. The urban forester shall issue permits as provided herein when he finds that the desired action or treatment is necessary and that the proposed method and workmanship are satisfactory, and that it will not be detrimental to the city or its inhabitants. (b) The urban forester may revoke any permit issued hereunder at any time the urban forester shall find that the terms of the permit have been or are, being violated by the permittee. (c) Permittee shall have the right to appeal denial of a permit or subsequent revocation within ten days from the date of denial or revocation to the Reno Urban Forestry Commission by filing notice with the city clerk. (d) Permittee shall have the right to appeal an adverse decision by the Reno Urban Forestry Commission within ten days of said decision by filing an appeal to the city council with the city clerk. (e) All work performed under a permit as required by this chapter shall conform to current ANSI A300 Standards. Exceptions to the ANSI A300 Standards may be permitted by the urban forester in cases involving storm damaged trees or trees in conflict with overhead utility lines. (f) Effective January 1, 2000, any person desiring to obtain a permit as required by this chapter must hold a valid and current International Society of Arboriculture Arborist or Tree Worker Certification, except that: (1) Tree planting may be performed by a person holding a valid and current Nevada Nursery Certification acquired through the University of Nevada Cooperative Extensions; and (2) Pesticide application must be performed by a person holding a valid and current license to apply pesticides issued by the State of Nevada. (g) Effective January 1, 2000, all work performed under a permit as required by this chapter must be performed by or directly supervised by a person holding a valid and current International Society of Arboriculture Arborist or Tree Worker Certification. (Code 1966, § 11.56.056; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.070 Injuring plants on public property.

Sec. 8.32.070. - Injuring plants on public property. It shall be unlawful to do any of the following acts: (a) Removing without permit, destruction, topping, mutilation, breaking, or killing any trees, plants, shrubs or vines upon or along any of the public streets, highways, alleys, public parks or public places. (b) Tying, hitching or fastening any horse or other animal to any of such plants on or upon any of the public streets, highways, alleys, public parks or public places, within the corporate limits of the city, without consent in writing from the urban forester. (c) Painting, posting, or otherwise affixing or allowing the same to be done by another, any poster, sign, wire, rope or other material on or around any trees, plants, shrubs or vines in any street or other public place. (d) Depositing, placing, storing or maintaining upon any street or public place any stone, brick, cement, concrete or other material which may unreasonably impede the free passage of water, air or fertilizer to the roots of any trees, plants, shrubs or vines growing therein. (e) Permitting any fire to burn where such fire will injure any portion of any trees, plants, shrubs or vines in any street or public place. (f) Knowingly permitting any leak to exist in any gas pipe within the root zone of any trees, plants, shrubs or vines in any street or public place. (g) Permitting any toxic chemical to seep, drain or be emptied on or about any street or public place. (h) Knowingly permitting electrical wires to come in contact with any trees, plants, shrubs, or vines in any street or public place, unless protected by methods approved by the urban forester. (i) Attaching any electrical installation to any trees, plants, shrubs or vines in any street or public place or excavating any ditches, tunnels or trenches, or laying any driveway within a radius of ten (10) feet from any such plant in any street or public place; unless a permit is issued by the urban forester. (Code 1966, § 11.56.070; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.080 Prohibited trees.

Sec. 8.32.080. - Prohibited trees. It shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Plant on or along any street, parkway or public place any fruit, nut or seed-bearing trees, unless the urban forester shall issue a permit therefor, after determining that the roots will not interfere with any public sidewalk, curb, sewer, water, electric and gas lines and that the fruit, nuts or seeds of such trees will not pose a public hazard. (2) Plant any and all species of genus Ulmus (elm) anywhere in the city. (3) Plant any and all species of genus Populus (poplar/cottonwood/aspen) tree, or genus Salix (willow) tree on or along any street, parkway or other public property. Special exception may be allowed by the urban forester for the purpose of maintaining riparian vegetation and habitat along the Truckee River or other natural riparian areas. (Code 1966, § 11.56.080; Ord. No. 3079, § 1, 5-9-83; Ord. No. 4126, § 1, 7-9-91; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.090 Certain plants to constitute a public nuisance.

Sec. 8.32.090. - Certain plants to constitute a public nuisance. Any tree, plant, shrub or vine not maintained and trimmed as provided in this chapter, and each of such plants which is dead or is endangered, or which may in any way endanger the security or usefulness of any street, utility line (above or underground), sewer or public place is hereby declared to be a public nuisance. Then the provisions of sections 8.32.140, 8.32.150 and 8.32.160 shall be followed. (Code 1966, § 11.56.090; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.100 Private plants, diseases and infestations constituting a public nuisance.

Sec. 8.32.100. - Private plants, diseases and infestations constituting a public nuisance. Any tree, plant, shrub or vine located anywhere within the city which is determined by the urban forester to be afflicted with any dangerous and infectious insect infestation or plant disease is hereby declared a public nuisance. The provisions of sections 8.32.140, 8.32.150 and 8.32.160 shall be followed. (Code 1966, § 11.56.100; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.110 Dutch elm disease constituting a public nuisance.

Sec. 8.32.110. - Dutch elm disease constituting a public nuisance. Trees of all species and varieties of elm, zelkova and planera infected with the fungus Certostomella ulmi, as determined by laboratory analysis conducted at the direction of the urban forester, located anywhere within the city, are hereby declared to be a public nuisance. The provisions of sections 8.32.140, 8.32.150 and 8.32.160 shall be followed. (Code 1966, § 11.56.110; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.120 Infected or decaying trees constituting a public nuisance.

Sec. 8.32.120. - Infected or decaying trees constituting a public nuisance. Any trees or parts thereof in a dead or dying condition located anywhere in the city, that may serve as breeding places for any infectious insect or disease are hereby declared to be public nuisances. The provisions of sections 8.32.140, 8.32.150 and 8.32.160 shall be followed. (Code 1966, § 11.56.120; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.130 Inspection of premises.

Sec. 8.32.130. - Inspection of premises. The urban forester may enter with notice upon private property at all reasonable hours for purposes of inspecting trees, shrubs, plants or vines thereon, and the urban forester may remove such specimens as are required for purposes of analysis to determine whether or not the same are infected. It shall be unlawful to interfere with the urban forester in the lawful performance of his duties under the provisions of this chapter. Written notice is to be given in person to the property owner or resident of record 24 hours prior to entry, or by mail, return receipt requested, 48 hours prior to entry. Due to the public interest in preventing the spread of disease, the urban forester need not wait for return of the mail receipt. (Code 1966, § 11.56.130; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.140 Notice of compliance, unless emergency.

Sec. 8.32.140. - Notice of compliance, unless emergency. (a) If trees, plants, shrubs or vines on private property located anywhere within the city, are found to be a public nuisance, the urban forester shall give to the owner of the premises, his agent or the occupant thereof, where such plants are situated, written notice of the existence of the nuisance, ordering the removal, destruction or reasonable curative measures within a period of ten days following such notice, unless a time extension is granted by the urban forester with due regard for the purposes of this chapter or unless the situation is deemed by the urban forester to be an emergency. Such notice shall also notify the owner of the premises that unless such tree, plant, shrub or vine is removed, destroyed or curative action initiated in compliance with the terms thereof within such ten day period, the city will proceed with the removal, destruction or cure of such tree, and assess the cost thereof as a lien against the property. The notice shall describe the tree, plant, shrub or vine, its location, the type of violation involved in specifics and the exact measures to be taken. (b) In the event an emergency condition is determined by the urban forester to exist, the urban forester shall proceed in such manner as is required under the circumstances with due regard for public health and safety, endangerment to other trees and shrubs and, to the extent possible, notice and cooperation with affected property owners. (Code 1966, § 11.56.140; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.150 Service of notice.

Sec. 8.32.150. - Service of notice. Service of notice shall be by personal service when the owner of the premises is a resident of the city, if such service can then be conveniently and expeditiously made. In all other cases the notice shall be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, but if neither such place of business nor residence is known, then no mailing shall be necessary and the urban forester shall post a copy of the notice on the premises. For the purposes of this section, mailing to the owner of the parcel of property as shown by the records or last assessment roll of the county assessor shall be deemed mailing notice to the property owner. (Code 1966, § 11.56.150; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.160 Duty to remove.

Sec. 8.32.160. - Duty to remove. It shall become the duty of the owner of the premises, within ten days after delivery of the notice under section 8.32.150, to cause such tree, plant, shrub or vine to be removed, destroyed, or to initiate curative measures under the direction and supervision of the urban forester. The removal, destruction or cure of an infected tree shall be under the direction and supervision of the urban forester. If the city shall remove, destroy or attempt curative measures to any tree, plant, shrub or vine, all expenses incurred in connection therewith shall be reported to the city council for assessment against the lands whereon the plant was situated, in accordance with the applicable provisions of sections 8.22.320 and 8.22.330. The city may undertake any curative measures itself, or contract with a private contractor to perform such service. Any such private contractor hired to perform shall provide proof of coverage of public liability, property damage insurance and workers compensation coverage for his employees to the urban forester. A performance bond may also be required as necessary. (Code 1966, § 11.56.160; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92; Ord. No. 4917, § 1, 10-13-98)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.170 Sale of diseased elm, zelkova and planera prohibited.

Sec. 8.32.170. - Sale of diseased elm, zelkova and planera prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to give, to sell, or to offer for sale, as firewood, any part of a diseased tree of any species of elm, zelkova or planera. (Code 1966, § 11.56.170; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.180 Penalty for violations.

Sec. 8.32.180. - Penalty for violations. (a) It is unlawful, prohibited and a misdemeanor for any person to violate the provisions in this chapter, including failure to comply with any notice of the urban forester or any decision and notice of the Reno Urban Forestry Commission or city council following appeal. (b) In the event any of the acts enumerated in (a) above occur, the city must be compensated for any resulting damage or the loss of any tree as determined by the urban forester in accordance with this chapter. (Code 1966, § 11.56.180; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Reno Administrative Code § 8.32.190 Criminal prosecution or suit for expenses not prevented.

Sec. 8.32.190. - Criminal prosecution or suit for expenses not prevented. Nothing contained in this chapter shall prevent the maintenance of a suit by the city against any person mentioned in this chapter to collect the expenses of such abatement or removal or the prosecution criminally under the ordinances of the city of any person creating, maintaining, causing or committing a nuisance, or owning or in possession, charge or control of the real property upon which a nuisance is created, maintained, caused or committed. (Code 1966, § 11.56.200; Ord. No. 4196, § 1, 3-10-92)

Source: City of Reno, Nevada, Administrative Code, City Charter and Annexation and Land Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/reno/codes/administrative_code?nodeId=PT2READCO_TIT8PUPESAMO_CH8.32TRSHFetched: 11/1/2026