The tree warden shall be appointed and function in accordance with state regulations as set forth in Title 2-14, Tree Wardens, of the Rhode Island General Laws. The tree commission shall be appointed and function in accordance with The Warren Town Charter, Section 14.11 Tree Commission. (Amend. 11-12-2002)
Sec. 18-7.5. Public tree care.
The tree warden shall plant, prune and maintain street trees and park trees as may be necessary to insure public safety or to preserve or enhance the symmetry and beauty of the town. Unless a tree constitutes an immediate public hazard, no street tree or park tree shall be removed until the following prior notice and hearing procedure is carried out, consistent with Section 2-4-18 of the Rhode Island General Laws:
(1) The tree warden shall attach to the tree at least five (5) business days before the scheduled date for removal, a waterproof notice. The notice shall state: the Town of Warren; the date of posting; the date of scheduled tree removal; the reason for the scheduled removal; the phone number for further information; and that an appeal of the scheduled removal may be made to the tree warden. No tree shall be removed before date of scheduled removal.
(2) If any person objects to the removal, that person may appeal in writing to the tree warden, who shall, together with the town manager, hold a public hearing at some suitable time and place after giving at least five (5) business days notice of the hearing to all persons known to be interested and posting a notice of the meeting on the tree.
(3) Within three (3) days after the hearing, the tree warden, after consultation with the town manager, shall render his or her decision granting or denying the appeal. No tree shall be removed unless both the town manager and the tree warden deny the appeal.
(4) Every tree removed shall be replaced by a suitable tree to be planted at or within a one hundred (100) to five hundred (500) foot radius of the same site. (Amend. 11-12-2002)
Sec. 18-7.6. Cutting down, removing, etc. trees on-street, etc.
Any person except the tree warden who shall prune, cut down, dig up or remove any shade or ornamental tree on the common or any street, highway or sidewalk (in the compact part of the town) without the consent of the tree warden shall be punished in accordance with section 1-8. (Amend. 11-12-2002)
Note: This section is found in the current law in Town Code 1967, Section 28-8.
Editor's note: Section 18-7 pertained to cutting down, removing, etc. trees on streets, etc. and derived from Code 1967, § 28-8. Amendment of Nov. 12, 2002 redesignated this § 18-7 as § 18-7.6. Additional §§ 18-7.1--18-7.5 were also added by amendment of Nov. 12, 2002.