§ 301-16. Powers of Commissioner of Public Works.

The Commissioner of the Department of Public Works shall have the right to plant, trim, spray, preserve and remove trees, plants and shrubs within the lines of all streets, alleys, avenues, lands, lanes, squares and public grounds as may be necessary to ensure safety or preserve the symmetry and beauty of such public grounds. Said Commissioner, under the power here given, may remove or cause or order to be removed any tree, or part thereof, which is in an unsafe condition, or which by reason of its nature is injurious to sewers or other public improvement or is affected with any injurious fungus, insect or other pest. Said Commissioner shall also have power to enter upon any private grounds in the City and to spray or otherwise treat or cause or order to be sprayed or otherwise treated any tree or shrub or plant infected or infested by any parasite or insect pest when it shall be necessary in his opinion to do so to prevent the breeding or scattering of any parasite or animal pest, and to prevent danger therefrom to trees and shrubs planted in the public streets or other public places, and whenever in his opinion trimming, treatment or removal of any such tree or shrub located on private grounds shall be deemed wise, he shall have power to trim, treat or remove any such tree or shrub, or cause or order the same to be trimmed, treated or removed. The cost of the removal of a tree or trees by the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works shall be collected in an action at law. Notice to remove under this section shall be served personally at least 10 days before such removal on the owner or agent of the property, unless, in the opinion of said Commissioner, immediate removal is necessary for public safety.

Amended 4-15-1986 by Ord. No. 87-1986