§ 53-5. Public notice of tree removal.

(a) Notice required.

Unless notice is given as required by this section, the City may not:

(1) remove or destroy a tree along one of the streets in this City; or

(2) permit any person to remove or destroy a tree along one of the streets in this City.

(b) Form and content.

The notice required by § 53-5(a):

(1) must consist of a durable and legible statement of the intent, affixed to and easily visible on the tree for not less than 5 days immediately preceding the contemplated removal or destruction; and

(2) must state:

(i) the reason for the intended removal or destruction of the tree; and

(ii) the person or persons to whom inquiries or protests thereon may be directed.

(c) Exception for emergency.

(1) In the event of an emergency situation, such as a fallen tree or some other condition or occurrence requiring an immediate removal or destruction of a tree along one of these public ways, the City or any person it permits may remove or destroy the tree without complying with the foregoing provisions of this section.

(2) But in this event, the City or the person it permitted promptly shall notify the City Council of the circumstances, conditions, and justification under which the tree was thus removed or destroyed.