(A) A tree emergency shall be deemed to exist when:
(1) Tree has become an imminent danger or hazard to persons or property as a result of fire, motor vehicle accident, or natural occurrence such as lightning, windstorm, ice storm, flood or other similar event; or
(2) A tree must be removed in order to perform emergency repair or replacement of public or private water, sewer, electric, gas, or telecommunications utilities.
(B) In the event of emergency conditions requiring the immediate cutting or removal of a tree or trees protected by this section in order to avoid danger or hazard to persons or property, a verbal emergency permit will be issued by the Comptroller or his or her authorized designee without formal application.
(C) In the event of such emergency, if the Comptroller or his or her authorized designee are unavailable, it shall be lawful to proceed with the removal of the tree(s) without permission. The person taking such action shall document the reasons for the tree emergency by photography or videotape of the tree emergency condition and the damage or hazard created by such condition, and shall report the action taken to the Community Development Department within two business days after the action is taken.
(Ord. 7-5, passed 1-24-07)