(a) Issuance: No person shall remove, injure, destroy, disturb, or undertake any procedure which is likely to cause the death or substantial destruction of any protected tree without first procuring a tree removal permit from the city. Tree removal permits authorizing the removal of a protected tree may be issued by the Community Development Department or designee for the following reasons:
(1) The tree is dead or dying;
(2) The tree is affected with any injurious disease, fungus, insect or other pest;
(3) The tree is damaged or injured to the extent that it is likely to die or become diseased; or constitutes a hazard to persons or property.
(b) Application. The application for a tree removal permit shall contain:
(1) Name and address of applicant;
(2) Address of property where protected tree(s) sought to be removed is located;
(3) A written statement indicating the reason for removal of the protected tree(s);
(4) Name and address of contractor or other person who is proposed as having responsibility for tree removal;
(5) A tree removal permit fee shall be collected, as determined by the City of Zanesville. Collected fees shall be placed in the Tree Bank Fund. The Community Development Department may waive the fee requirement for permits involving 10 trees or less.
(c) Receipt of tree removal permit. Upon receipt of a tree removal permit, the permittee:
(1) May remove the tree(s) as provided in the permit;
(2) Shall replace the protected tree removed if it was damaged or injured by other than natural causes;
(3) Shall replace the protected tree if it was removed without a tree removal permit, or there is a violation of the tree removal permit;
(4) Is encouraged to replace the protected tree if it was diseased, dead or dying from natural causes;
(d) Emergencies.
(1) In order to avoid danger or hazard to persons or property, during emergency conditions requiring the immediate cutting or removal of a protected tree(s), a tree removal permit will be issued by the city without formal application.
(2) In the event of such an emergency, it shall be lawful to proceed with the cutting of the tree or trees to the extent necessary to avoid immediate danger or hazard. In such event the person causing the cutting shall report the action taken to the Community Development Department or designee within forty-eight (48) hours thereof. (Ord. 19-91. Passed 9-9-19.)