A. If a tree emergency shall occur, such that there arises a risk of imminent danger or hazard to persons or property from any tree which ought to be cut or removed immediately or with as little delay as possible (i.e., trees which threaten to fall or have fallen on houses or power lines or block safe passage of streets or have become uprooted or unstable as a result of severe weather, floods or high winds), then it shall be lawful for the owner to remove such tree, to the extent necessary to avoid immediate danger or hazard, without a tree removal permit; provided that within five (5) business days after taking any such action, the owner shall complete relevant portions of the tree removal permit application describing the tree emergency and the actions taken. In order to expedite the removal of a tree causing a tree emergency, the owner may also take photos of the tree(s) in question and send to the Village Ecologist/Forester who can then respond immediately to approve the tree(s) removal.
B. If the Village Ecologist, upon the review of the tree removal permit application, concurs that the owner's actions were warranted, no further action under these regulations shall be necessary, but if the Village Ecologist determines that no genuine tree emergency existed to justify the removal of the regulated tree(s), then such actions by the owner shall be deemed a violation of these regulations. (Ord. 18-03-05, 3-6-2018)