Athens City Code

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Contents14-170 Utility Easement Policy

14-170 Utility Easement Policy

(1) Intent. To avoid damage to utility lines and landscape plantings, all trees and shrubs should be planted outside of existing and proposed utility easements.
(2) Policy. Any tree or shrub used to meet the requirements of this chapter shall not be located within proposed or existing utility easements unless it meets one of the special exceptions as defined in subsection (c) of this section.
(3) Special exceptions. Special exceptions to this section are as follows:
1. (a) Written permission has been obtained from the holder of the utility easement.
2. (b) Where overhead powerlines cross an area required by this chapter to be planted with shade trees, smaller shade trees may be substituted.
(4) Priority considerations. If none of the special exceptions in subsection (c) of this section apply, the following options shall be considered in order of priority:
1. (a) Priority 1. Planting the tree as close to the easement as possible.
2. (b) Priority 2. For highly visible areas (street yards, parking lots in front), planting the tree in the same general area where it can be seen from the street or parking lot.
(5) Fire hydrant visibility. In order to allow fire department personnel adequate visibility and access to fire hydrant locations, a three-foot buffer with visibility shall be required/provided around all fire hydrants located in areas where landscaping is required by the provisions of this chapter.