§ 153.170 PURPOSE.

(A) This subchapter is adopted to promote and enhance a superior community environment, to maintain the rural character, to maintain air quality and ecologic balance, to maintain property values, and to ensure the maximum preservation of the valuable natural features and scenic character as stated in the General Plan of the Town by establishing minimum standards and requirements relating to the protection of trees.

(B) It is intended that this subchapter be administered with the foregoing purposes in mind and specifically so as to:

(1) Ensure, insofar as practical in permitting development of land and minimizing fire hazard, the maximum retention of natural vegetation to aid in protection against erosion of top soil, preservation of natural scenic qualities and healthy ecosystems of the Town through good conservation practices, protection from flooding or landslides, noise absorption, and in providing habitat, shade and color; and

(2) Protect mature trees and significant stands of trees in order to retain as many as possible consistent with the purposes set forth herein and also consistent with reasonable economic enjoyment of private property. In this context, privately owned trees have an impact on the quality of life for the entire community.

(Ord. 2006-534, effective 1-11-07)