Your Town is interested in helping you protect and conserve our natural environment. In 1995, a new ordinance for Tree Protection was approved and added to the Town Code. Basically, rules are now in place to require a permit under some conditions to remove a healthy tree. Dead, dying, insect-infested or trees threatening life or property are generally permitted to be removed. The real point of the ordinance is to preserve healthy trees, especially in buffer areas between properties or trees that are significant from a historical or species perspective, from indiscriminate destruction.
Emphasis is placed on flowering trees as well.
The buffer area between properties is usually one where trees help provide all parties with screening and a sense of a natural boundary. In the Tree Ordinance, depending on the zoning of the properties, the buffer zone is defined as between 3 and 10 feet from the property line of each property. Within this zone on each property, a Tree Removal Permit to remove any tree of 3 inches diameter or more would need to be obtained from the Town Building Inspector. In addition, clear cutting of ten trees on a lot or removal of trees of 6 inches diameter or more on steep slopes now requires that you obtain a permit from the Town Building Inspector. Or Call 762-8419.