(A) Approval required; tree permit. Unless otherwise specifically authorized in this subchapter, it shall be unlawful for any person, organization, or private or public entity without a valid tree permit, issued by the Comptroller or his or her designee, to undertake any regulated activity set forth in § 100.002. Utility companies that have overhead facilities in public rights-of-way or in utility easements on private property may apply for one group tree permit to perform routine and non-emergency pruning; provided, however, that prior to the issuance of any such group permit, a degreed forester or arborist certified by the International Society of Arborculture on behalf of the utility shall meet with the Comptroller or his or her designee to inspect each tree to be pruned and agree on the manner of pruning each tree. No group tree permits shall be issued for any species of elm between April 1 and October 31 or any species of oak between April 1 and July 31, except as otherwise authorized by the Comptroller to alleviate an imminent hazard.
(B) Exceptions. A tree permit shall not be required for the following activities:
(1) Pruning. Routine pruning of any tree of private property by the property owner or his or her representative in compliance with the National Pruning Standards (ANSI A300);
(2) Tree emergency. In the case of a tree emergency, as defined in § 100.005 and in accordance with the procedures set forth in that section.
(Ord. 7-5, passed 1-24-07)