A. 
A tree removal permit will be required when slashing of trees is proposed or occurs.
B. 
The approving authority for all applications under this article shall be the Building Inspector except where tree cutting or removal is proposed in connection with any site plan, subdivision approval, or special use permit approval submitted to the Planning Board, trees shall be cut or removed from the subject property only in conjunction with an approved final subdivision plat, final site plan, or final special use permit approval, in which case a separate tree removal permit shall not be required.
C. 
The Building Inspector shall issue the permit, after consulting with the City Engineer and when deemed necessary, the City Arborist, upon finding that removal of the tree is being done in a manner and with the imposition of conditions deemed necessary, so as to ensure control of erosion and sediment and prevent damage to the property and adjoining property.
The Mayor shall appoint, subject to confirmation of the City Council, a five-member Tree Committee, with each person serving a two-year term. The initial terms shall be staggered such that two members are appointed to a one-year term and three to a two-year term. One member shall be from the Conservation Advisory Committee and one member shall be an arborist. The Mayor shall appoint the Chairperson. The Tree Committee shall meet as requested by the Mayor or Building Inspector for such purposes as they direct.
A. 
Any person, firm, corporation, or other entity who or which undertakes any regulated activity without a tree removal permit required by this article or who violates any condition attached to a tree removal permit, or who otherwise violates any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine of not more than $350. Each tree cut or removed without a tree removal permit required by this article or in violation of any condition attached to a tree removal permit or otherwise in violation of this article shall constitute a separate offense subject to the $350 penalty. For a second and each subsequent violation within a one-year period, the violator shall be guilty of an offense punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or a term of imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or both. In addition, the court may order or direct a violator to replace any or all trees cut or removed illegally, with a size and type of native tree (s) selected by the Building Inspector, who shall consult with the Tree Committee as to the number, size and type of tree and the location to be planted on the affected property or public property. The court shall specify a reasonable time for the completion of such restoration, which shall be effected under the supervision of the Building Inspector.
B. 
Each violation of the provisions of this article shall be a separate and distinct offense, and, in the case of a continuing offense, each day's continuance thereof shall be deemed a separate and distinct offense.