(A) Upon the discovery of any destructive or communicable disease or other pestilence which endangers the growth or health of trees, or threatens to spread disease or insect infestations, the Building Commissioner shall at once cause written notice to be served upon the owner of the property upon which such diseased or infested tree is situated, and the notice shall require such property owner to eradicate, remove or otherwise control such condition within reasonable time to be specified in such notice. The Town Forester also has the authority to order any nuisance tree, shrub, plant, or plant part be removed. A nuisance tree, shrub, plant, or plant part is defined as any tree with an infectious disease or insect problem; dead or dying trees; a tree or limb that obstruct street lights, traffic signs, the free passage of pedestrians and/or vehicles; or a tree that poses a threat to the safety of the public. The property owner shall be duly notified by the Building Commissioner as other public nuisance issues are notified and the owner shallbe given 30 days to properly correct the situation according to the regulations set forth in this subchapter. Failure by the property owner to correct the situation shall result in the correction by the town and billing of such work be sent to the property owner.
(B) The Town Forester shall have as one of his or her duties to locate, select and identify any trees that qualify as "landmark trees". A tree may qualify as a landmark tree if it meets one or more of the following criteria: Old age, association with a historical event or person, or scenic enhancement. The designation of a tree as a landmark tree grants said tree further protection from any removal by any person without the express consent of the Town Forester and the Tree Board.
(Ord. 2007-16, passed 12-27-07)