Franklin's tree ordinance framework consists of three pieces: (1) Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Natural Resources) — substantive tree protection including § 17.2 (Tree Protection), § 17.2.9 (Tree Removal Permits), tree preservation plans, specimen-tree protection, and replacement standards; (2) the Franklin Tree Commission — established by ordinance, maintains the Recommended Tree List, plans Arbor Day, administers the Tree Bank Fund, and reports for Tree City USA; and (3) the Urban Forestry section of the Parks Department — operations and maintenance of public/right-of-way trees. Topping is prohibited city-wide under Zoning § 5.2.4(6)(f). Franklin has held Tree City USA designation for approximately 20 years.
The composite Franklin tree-protection regime works as follows. Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Natural Resources) carries the substantive tree law: § 17.2 (Tree Protection) requires tree preservation plans on development applications showing existing canopy and proposed removals, protects specimen trees, lists exempt categories (dead/hazard/nuisance/utility/TN-EPPC invasive/single-family ≤ 1 acre/City land), and imposes replacement standards; § 17.2.9 (Tree Removal Permits) governs the permit triggered for commercial/industrial/multi-family lots and single-family lots > 1 acre, with Planning & Sustainability / City Arborist review and BNS issuance. Zoning § 5.2.4(6)(f) prohibits tree topping citywide. The Franklin Tree Commission was established by ordinance and meets monthly; duties include planning for the use of tree bank funds and charitable donations of trees or money, planning and holding an annual Arbor Day ceremony, maintenance of a recommended tree list for the community, establishment of an official city tree, preparation of a tree plan, adoption of rules and regulations, and coordination of tree-related activities. The Urban Forestry section of Parks (Superintendent Brian Walker; Supervisor Michael Moynahan) handles operations: planting, maintenance, hazard assessment, and removal of public/ROW trees. The City has held Tree City USA designation for approximately 20 years (since the mid-2000s). Building & Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012) is the enforcement and permit-issuance arm.
Violations of Chapter 17 (unpermitted removal, failure to follow tree preservation plan, damage to specimen trees, failure to replace), Zoning § 5.2.4(6)(f) (topping), and tree removal permit conditions are enforced by Building & Neighborhood Services through the Zoning Ordinance violation procedures: notice of violation, citation to Franklin Municipal Court, possible withholding of certificates of occupancy on development sites, replacement requirements, and Tree Bank Fund contributions. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense in Municipal Court.
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