(a) The Service Director or their designee is charged with enforcement of this chapter, and to that end may enter upon public or private property at all reasonable hours for purposes of inspecting any tree or part thereof or any firewood that have the appearance of or are suspected of having Dutch Elm Disease, Elm Yellows Disease, Oak Wilt, Pine Wilt, Emerald Ash Bore or any other infectious disease or have the appearance of dying or are no longer producing leaves, fruit or new growth and/or serve as a breeding place for disease spreading insects, bugs or vectors. The Service Director may cause the removal of such samples as are required for purposes of analysis to determine whether the same are infected or sustaining itself without causing harm to person or property; provided that if such premises be occupied, the Service Director shall first present credentials and request entry, and if such premises shall be unoccupied, the Service Director shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons who have charge or control of the premises and request entry. Permission of the owner, occupant or person in control of the premises is necessary for entry; except if such entry is refused, the Service Director or their authorized representative may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for relief to secure entry.
(Ord. 2005-014. Passed 3-7-05; Ord. 2020-035. Passed 5-18-20.)