(A) This section shall apply to all parcels of land within the corporate boundaries of the village except detached single- family residential lots of 1 acre or less and commercial nurseries.
(B) No deciduous tree having a trunk size of 3 inches or greater as measured at diameter breast height (4.5 feet above the ground) or evergreen tree measuring 6 feet or more in height shall be removed from any improved or unimproved parcel of land without written approval by the village.
(C) The village will approve requests for tree removal if 1 or more of the following conditions are met:
(1) The vegetation poses a safety hazard to pedestrians, vehicular traffic or buildings.
(2) The trees are dead, diseased or damaged from age, storm, fire or other injury.
(3) Removal is limited to selective clearing as part of a plan for ecological restoration, removal of an invasive species of tree, or removal of a tree clearly overgrown for its location.
(4) A final landscape plan and tree mitigation plan, if appropriate, have been approved for the property by the village.
(D) Any owner requesting tree removal must submit to the village in writing a description of the tree(s) proposed for removal and supporting material. The description shall include a plan showing the location, size, type of tree and supporting documentation on the condition of the tree if appropriate.
(E) Any landowner who authorizes removal of a tree in violation of this section or any person or legal entity which removes a tree in violation of this section, shall be subject to a fine between $100 and $750 per offense. Each tree removed shall constitute a separate offense. The penalty provisions of § 97.99 of this chapter shall not apply to this section.
(Ord. 12-2-1878, passed 2-13-2012)