(A) The following actions shall constitute a violation of this subchapter and shall be subject to the penalties prescribed herein. For trees located on public property, the following restrictions shall apply to any and all trees, regardless of size.
(B) For trees located on private property, the following restrictions apply to trees in excess of six inches in diameter, measured four feet above the ground.
(1) Injuring, removal, relocation, general. No person shall, without a written permit from the town, perform or cause to be performed the following acts: mutilate, injure, remove and/or relocate any live trees within the town, or injure or misuse any structure or device placed to protect any such trees.
(2) Whitewashing, painting. No person shall, without a written permit from the town, whitewash, paint or in any way discolor the stem base, bole or root of any tree in the town, except as authorized by G.S. § 14-159(7).
(3) Attaching sings or other devices; obstructing roots. No person shall, without a written permit from the town, fasten or attach any sign, wire or electrical attachment or other device in any manner to the trees in the town, or to guard about the tree, or close or obstruct any open space provided about the base or root of the tree within three feet in any direction, or in any way prevent access of air, water or fertilizer to roots of the tree. Attachment of birdhouses or other small ornamental attachments that do not substantially threaten the life of a tree is permissible.
(Ord. passed 3-14-2005; Ord. passed 5-1-2013; Ord. passed 2-13-2013; Ord. passed 10-10-2016; Ord. passed 3-14-2019, § 705)