Keizer updates street‑tree code, clarifies sidewalk repair responsibilities

Keizer — The City Council adopted an updated tree‑preservation ordinance Feb. 2 to modernize the street‑tree list, support stormwater facility plantings and clarify responsibilities when tree roots damage sidewalks.

City staff said the current code had last been substantially revised in 1995 and did not reflect trees now used in stormwater facilities. The ordinance updates planting lists and includes a table addressing appropriate tree sizes and planting areas.

Under the revision, when damage to the public sidewalk is caused by a street tree, the city will remove the tree and grind the stump; the adjacent property owner is responsible for repairing the sidewalk and planting a replacement tree consistent with city standards. City Attorney counsel said this codifies an existing public‑works practice: public works crews remove and grind trees that create sidewalk hazards, while property owners perform the sidewalk repair and replanting.

Council members discussed wording edits and replacing the word "beauty" with a less subjective term; they adopted a grammatical adjustment to Section 18‑20‑22 and clarified the purpose language (councilors suggested 'aesthetic'). After the amendments, the council unanimously adopted the ordinance.

Representative quote: "We just codified what our policy has been by this change," the city attorney said.

What’s next: The public‑works department will continue to implement the code change and staff requested that sidewalk‑gap and repair program questions be addressed separately through program funding and prioritization.