(A) All trees shall be planted, pruned, maintained and removed, as may be necessary to ensure public safety. Trees shall be pruned so that branches do not obstruct the light from any street light or obstruct the view of any street intersection. A clear space of 15 feet above the surface of the street and eight feet above the surface of the sidewalk shall be maintained. No trees shall be planted under or within ten lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within five lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, transmission line or other utility. No trees shall be planted closer than ten feet from any manhole structure. No tree shall be planted closer than ten feet from any hydrant. No tree shall be planted closer than ten feet from any streetlight pole. No tree shall be planted closer than ten feet from any traffic control device.
(B) The township reserves the right to remove, or cause to be removed, any tree or part thereof that is in an unsafe condition as defined in § 98.02.
(C) If any owner, occupant or person having charge of any land within the township shall refuse or neglect to resolve public safety issues caused by private trees or shrubs as provided in division (B), the township will notify, in writing, the owner(s) of such tree(s). Removal shall be done by the owner(s) at their own expense within 60 days after the date of service of notice. Upon the owner’s failure to comply with such provisions, the township shall have the authority to remove such trees. The Building Official shall keep an accurate account of the expense incurred for each lot or parcel of land in carrying out the provisions of this section, which shall be charged against each lot or parcel, and collected by giving notice thereof to the owner of the lot or parcel. If the expense or charge is not paid, its cost may be placed on the tax roll for the lot or parcel and collected as provided by the township Charter.
(D) In the event of an immediate threat to public health or safety, the Building Official shall cause the land to be entered upon by township employees or a township contractor for the purpose of pruning or removing the trees, tree debris or shrubs at the sole cost to the property owner. This entry shall not be deemed a trespass. The cost of this removal may be placed on the tax roll for the lot or parcel and collected as provided by the township Charter.
(E) No person shall break, injure, mutilate, kill or destroy any public tree or shrub, or set any fire or heat thereof to injure any portion of any tree or shrub on public property. No toxic chemicals or other injurious materials shall be allowed to seep, drain or be emptied upon, near or about any public tree or shrub. No electric wires or installation of any other lines or wires shall be attached to any public tree in any manner to cause damage. No person shall use any public tree as an anchor unless approved by the Building Official, and no sign, poster, notice or other material shall be attached to or hung on any public tree.
(Ord. 1016, Amendment 25, passed 7-27-2021)