Tree cutting ordinance defines responsibilities

Tree cutting ordinance defines responsibilities

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A commercial tree cutting and removal ordinance was approved by alderman last week

The mayor and board voted 5-0 to approve the ordinance. 

This establishes rules and regulations  concerning the cutting and removal of  trees from private property. 

Tree cutters are required to have a city-issued license, a permit per job, and insurance before starting a job. A property owner can also face fines and liability issues if the person they hire is in violation of the ordinance.

The board has discussed problems with uninsured tree cutters in recent months. 

City Attorney Robert Thomas and Building Inspector Jay Eakes were assigned to come up with the ordinance.

“What we tried to do is restrict who does the tree cutting,” said Thomas. “We have definitions. It covers any tree, six inches in diameter or wider.

“If I call someone in to cut a tree and I don’t make sure they have their license and insurance, it’s on me and not just him,” Thomas said. 

“On the last situation we had, the individual didn’t have the insurance and the property owner paid him in cash. That’s not right. A tree can cause enormous damage to a power line.”

To work as a commercial tree cutter in the municipal boundaries of Philadelphia, each person is required to come to the city Building Inspector’s Office and get a license costing $30. 

They are required each time they are hired by a landowner or property owner to cut a tree to obtain a permit costing $25.

The tree cutter will also be required to present a copy of their insurance when getting his license.

“These fees are in line with everything else,” Eakes said. “They are no different than an electrician, a plumber or an HVAC person.”

“It takes care of the cleanup,” Ward 2 alderman Jim Fulton said. “They cut it, they have to clean it.”

Anyone in violation of the ordinance will be ticketed. They could face a $1,000 fine, six months in jail or both, per incidence.

Before the ordinance goes into effect, it must be published in The Neshoba Democrat.  






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