§ 70-6. Authorization required.

(a)

No person, except as authorized herein, shall plant, maintain, remove, or otherwise disturb, any tree or shrub in any public area without first receiving written approval from the tree board. Exempted from this chapter are public utilities providing electrical service within the town that prune or cut trees or vegetation around electrical lines and fixtures to protect said lines and fixtures from damage from trees and vegetation. Routine maintenance of public areas by the town or its subcontractors shall be coordinated with the tree board.

(b)

In cases of public vehicular safety, the chief of police or the director of zoning and inspections may immediately remove limbs obstructing traffic signs or impairing vehicular visibility.

(c)

In case of emergencies, including windstorms, ice storms and other disasters, permits may be waived by the mayor, tree board, or the director of zoning and inspections during the immediate emergency period so as not to hamper emergency work.

(d)

The tree board may initiate tree and shrub planting or removal in public areas with the prior approval of the town board. Town residents may initiate tree and shrub planting or removal in public areas with the written approval of the tree board. Nearby property owners will be notified of planned tree and shrub planting or removal.

(e)

All plantings now and hereafter installed in public areas shall become the property of the town and shall be under the control of the town and subject to all regulations of the town thereafter.

(Code 2001, § 22-4; Ord. No. 2010-2, § XXI, 2-9-2010; Ord. No. 2010-22, § IV, 11-9-2010; Ord. No. 2011-12, § I, 10-11-2011)