Tree removals are considered an impact to the entire Village, whether on public or private land. It is clearly documented that larger trees provide larger benefits and as such, the tree removal fee of $100 will be assessed with an approved Village permit and violation fines will be assessed based on the list of preferred species and tree size determined by diameter (maximum fine by Village Code is $750 per incident and will be applied on trees removed over 6" DBH). It is recognized that the planting of smaller trees to replace the value of larger trees that are lost will take tens of years and for this reason efforts should be made to preserve and protect trees where they are growing.
A. It shall be unlawful for any individual to remove or cause damage to any tree located on public property without first receiving a Tree Permit from the Village.
B. No live, dead or dying tree, or grouping of trees, equal to 6" DBH or greater on public property may be removed without first obtaining a permit from the Village.
C. A nuisance tree is a tree that has already died, is in a state of irrevocable decline, has the capacity to damage a person or thing or is an invasive species. In the event of an emergency, and access to the Village is not possible, a nuisance tree may be removed without a permit, however, the individual removing the tree shall take photographs and memorialize the nuisance situation prior to removal and shall follow up with a request for a tree permit from the Village on the next business day.
D. Any tree removed from a parcel or transplanted offsite must be replaced according to the regulations outlined in this Section.
E. All stump removals shall require underground utility locations prior to any action.
F. If a tree is removed or damaged which is not on the Tree Permit it must be replaced or bonded as set forth in this Section.
G. Removal of invasive woody plants such as buckthorn do not require a permit and in fact, are encouraged. These invasive plants can quickly colonize an area reducing the health and vitality of non-invasive plants. (A list of invasive woody plants is provided in the Appendix.) (Ord. 2023-1365, 5-10-2023)