The tree canopy contributes to the distinctive rural character of the Village of Franklin. Trees are important natural resources and assets of the Village that residents and visitors admire and cherish. The Village’s trees provide a vital link to nature by softening the visual landscape; improving air quality; creating habitat for birds and wildlife; reducing floods and erosion; protecting against wind and heat; providing important physical, aesthetic, recreational, and economic benefits to Village residents; and supporting property values. Through the years, the tree inventory in the Village has been threatened, due to development, disease, or infestation. Therefore, in the interest of promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the community, it is necessary to establish the regulations set forth herein to protect, preserve, and conserve mature trees, manage and provide oversight of the removal of trees, and provide for the replacement of trees removed in the Village.
(Ord. 2010-04. Passed 5-10-10.)