A. The City Forester or designated tree inspector is authorized to inspect premises and places within the City to determine whether shade tree pests exist thereon and to investigate all reported incidents of shade tree pests. The tree inspector is authorized to take all reasonable measures to prevent the maintenance of public nuisances and may enforce the provisions relating to abatement in this chapter. Diagnosis of shade tree pests will be made by the presence of commonly recognized visual symptoms and signs; and occasionally by tests when recommended by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; or other reliable means.
B. The City shall notify the entire community by two (2) means of communication such as the City website and official newspaper when seasonal inspections for shade tree pests are about to commence. In addition, the tree inspector shall knock on the door before entering private property for the purpose of inspecting or abating nuisances. If the owner, resident, or other person in control of the property does not answer the door, the property owner shall be provided with the opportunity to schedule an inspection or abatement within a reasonable time period. If the inspection or abatement is not authorized by the property owner within such reasonable time period, the tree inspector may take appropriate legal measures to gain authorization for entry.
C. No person, firm, or corporation shall interfere with the tree inspector or with anyone acting under the City Forester's authority while engaged in activities authorized by this chapter. (Ord. 1004, 11-19-2018)