(A) This article shall not restrict public utilities and electric suppliers from maintaining safe clearance around existing utility lines, and existing easements in accordance with applicable state laws.
(B) Dead, diseased or naturally fallen or severely damaged trees or vegetation, or trees or vegetation that are a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare based on photographic documentation, observation by the Village Planner, or by the submittal of a report prepared by an arborist or other landscape professional, should be removed. Replacement of the tree(s) would only be subject to buffer requirements to maintain compliance with a required landscape plan.
(C) Bona fide agricultural and forestry operations shall be exempt from the provisions of this Article. This exemption applies to forestry activity on forestland that is taxed on the basis of its present-use value as forestland under G.S. Chapter 105, Article 12 and activities conducted in accordance with an approved forestry management plan subject G.S. Chapter 89B and extends to any activity defined as a bona fide farm operation in G.S. 160D-903 within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the Village.
(D) The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) shall be exempt from buffer requirements of this Ordinance within NCDOT rights-of-way. Tree removal in the Village rights-of-way must be approved by the Village Manager or designee.
(E) All real properties owned by the Village of Pinehurst.
(Ord. 21-06, passed - -)