(A) The unlawful removal or alteration of a tree is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and may be punishable as a misdemeanor or infraction.
(B) In addition, it shall be a civil violation for a person to knowingly violate this chapter. The Director, at his or her discretion, may immediately issue a citation for this civil violation upon evidence of the violation. There is no requirement of a first warning in order for the Director to issue this citation.
(C) Administrative fine. Each violation of this chapter shall result in a citation with a $1,000 fine.
(D) The Director shall give notice of a violation of this chapter by issuing a citation to any and all responsible persons within 30 days of the receipt of notice of the violation. The citation shall also give notice of the right to request an administrative hearing to challenge the validity of the citation and the time for requesting that hearing.
(Ord. 743, passed 7-1-2009)