(A) It is the purpose of this chapter to preserve, protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public by providing for the regulation of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees located on roadways, parks and public areas owned or controlled by the city and on new developments and alterations to previous developments on private property. These regulations will not prohibit any individual resident of Mount Holly from removing or pruning any tree on his or her property, nor will they prohibit harvesting timber in accordance with G.S. § 160D-921.
(B) The purpose and intent of these regulations is to establish minimum standards for preservation of existing and the planting of new trees and vegetation in order to:
(1) Better control soil erosion;
(2) Reduce the hazards of flooding;
(3) Stabilize the ground water tables;
(4) Absorb carbon dioxide;
(5) Provide shade for cooling;
(6) Screen noise, dust and glare;
(7) Enhance property values;
(8) Provide architectural interest and human scale;
(9) Preserve, protect, and enhance the natural environment;
(10) Maintain and/or improve aesthetic values; and
(11) Promote a diversity of species in the urban forest.
(Ord. passed 5-13-1996)