Tree Planting Program
The Town of Normal encourages Normal residents to plant trees to either replace previously existing trees or just beautify their area. Residents of Normal can pick up an application at the Normal Parks and Recreation Office or print one here [PDF]. Residents are eligible for up to $60.00 toward the purchase of a tree for their property. Some restrictions do apply:
- Trees planted on public or private property, be within thirty
feet of public streets or right of way, and provide sufficient
public benefit to justify the expenditure of public funds.
- That the program shall make available to private property owners, partial reimbursement for trees planted on private property within thirty feet of public streets and right of way.
To
ensure that the trees planted are consistent with the public welfare
and safety, Division 8.7 of the Town of Normal Municipal
Code, sets the following conditions:
- The ordinance requires that property owners
acquire a permit
[PDF] before they trim or remove any tree or shrub rooted
on Town property. The Town may assess a fine for violation
of this section ranging from $50 to $500, and may also
require the violator to reimburse the Town for the value of
the tree or shrub. The permit can be obtained at no cost to
property owners.
- The ordinance would require that a
permit [PDF]
be obtained from the Director of Parks and Recreation before
any tree or shrub is planted on Town property. Also the
ordinance clearly states that any tree or shrub planted on
Town property becomes the property of the Town once planted
on Town property. The permit can be obtained at no cost to
property owners.
- The ordinance provides for the protection of
the root zone for existing trees and shrubs on Town
property. A
permit [PDF] must be obtained prior to any digging or
trenching activities near the root zone or drip lines of
trees and shrubs rooted on Town property. The permit can be
obtained at no cost to property owners or private
excavating.
- Utility companies and the Town’s Water and Sewer
Departments are not required to obtain prior approval before
performing vegetation management on Town property when such
trimming is done in accordance with the ordinance
or State law. However, all utility companies would be
required to contact the Parks Department prior to trenching
or excavating near certain trees in non-emergency
situations. Utility companies with franchise agreements that
address issues contained in the ordinance are
exempt from related provisions of the ordinance.
- Please refer to the attached restricted tree list for guidelines.