(a) Board-controlled places do not require a permit for planting, pruning, maintenance or removal of trees, shrubs or hedges, but said board must administratively communicate all activity to the Municipal Arborist to preserve current records.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (a) hereof, no other person shall plant any tree, shrub or hedge upon any tree lawn or public place unless he or she shall have first obtained a permit in writing from the Municipal Arborist specifying the size, type, species and location on the tree lawn or public place so to be planted. Approval to plant requires adherence to the specifications set forth in the Avon Lake Arboricultural Specifications and Standards of Practice.
(c) The Municipal Arborist shall have the authority to deny a permit to any person who proposes to plant any tree or shrub upon a tree lawn or public place of a size, type or species found to be undesirable by the Municipal Arborist or found to be undesirable for the location proposed, or he or she may deny a permit to any person who proposes to plant any tree, shrub or hedge upon a tree lawn or public place at a location found by the Municipal Arborist to be of a size or type unsuitable for planting of trees, shrubs or hedges.
(d) Hereafter, when any tree is planted in a tree lawn or public place and is in conflict with specifications of the Master Street Tree Plan, as found in the Avon Lake Arboricultural Specifications and Standards of Practice, it shall be lawful for the City to request tree, shrub, hedge or stump removal by the property owner within thirty days.
(e) The Citizens Tree Commission shall develop and maintain a list, found in the Avon Lake Arboricultural Specifications and Standards of Practice, of desirable and undesirable large, medium and small trees for planting in tree lawns and public places.
(f) Trees planted upon a tree lawn or public place may be removed by the City as necessary to protect the public health, safety, welfare and aesthetics. The Municipal Arborist may cause the removal of any such tree by using City employees or private contractors under contract with the City. Stump grinding and restoration of tree lawn grass shall take place when trees are replaced or removed.
(Ord. 199-94. Passed 10-24-94; Ord. 21-182. Passed 12-13-21.)