(a) On-site inspection. Prior to the issuance of a permit for tree removal or relocation, the Building
Official or his agent shall conduct an on-site inspection to determine whether or not such a removal or relocation conforms to the requirements of this chapter.
(b) Issuance.
(1) Removal. No permit shall be issued for tree removal unless one of the following conditions exists:
a. The tree is located in a buildable area or yard where a structure or improvements may be placed where inability to remove the tree would unreasonably restrict the permitted use of the property and the tree removal has been authorized by the Town as part of a site plan review;
b. The tree cannot be relocated on or off the site because of age, type, or size of tree;
c. The tree is diseased, dead, injured, in danger of falling, too close to existing or proposed structures, interferes with utility service, creates unsafe vision clearance, or conflicts with other ordinances or regulations; or
d. It is in the welfare of the general public that the tree be removed for a reason other than set forth above.
(2) Relocation or replacement. As a condition to the granting of a permit, the applicant may be required, where practical, to relocate the tree being removed or be required to replace the tree being removed with a tree somewhere within the site of the type that will attain an overall height of at least twelve feet (12') and have a trunk caliper of at two inches (2") at planting, measured four and one-half feet (4.5') above grade. The green areas left after all building and parking lot requirements have been met shall contain a tree density equal to or greater than that existing on the overall site before the beginning of construction.
(`75 Code, § 22-19(d)) (Ord. 75-3, passed 5-27-75; Am. Ord. 2017-05, adopted 12-20-17; Am. Ord. 2023-01, adopted 3-15-23) Penalty, see § 9A-12