(a) It shall be unlawful for any person or nongovernmental entity, without a Special Tree removal permit issued by the Mayor, to Top, cut down, remove, girdle, break, or destroy any Special Tree.
(b) The Mayor shall issue a Special Tree removal permit under this section where the applicant has:
(1) Shown that the Special Tree in question is a Hazardous Tree;
(2) Shown that the Special Tree in question is of a species that has been identified, by regulation, as appropriate for removal;
(3) Paid into the Tree Fund an amount equal to $35 for each inch of the circumference of the Special Tree in question; or
(4) Averred in a signed Special Tree removal permit application that the applicant will plant, in compliance with the applicable regulations, a quantity of saplings whose aggregated circumference equals or exceeds the circumference of the Special Tree in question.
(c) The showings required by subsection (b) of this section may be satisfied by a combination of payments and plantings pursuant to subsection (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section.
(d) A violation of subsection (a) of this section, or a failure to comply with the conditions contained in a Special Tree removal permit, shall constitute a violation subject to a fine of not less than $100 per each inch of the circumference of the Special Tree in question.
CREDIT(S)
(June 12, 2003, D.C. Law 14-309, § 104, 50 DCR 888.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For Law 14-309, see notes following § 8-651.01.