Wasco Municipal Code Ch. 12.20 Trees and SHRUBS1

It is declared that it is unlawful for any person to remove, injure, prune or in any way damage trees and shrubs owned by the city or situated upon city property, city easements or city parkways, without first securing a permit to do so from the building department. This section shall apply likewise to any animal or instrumentality owned by or controlled by said person. (Ord. 76-203 §1, 1976).

In order to obtain proper permission, the person shall make written application to the building inspector. (Ord. 76-203 §2, 1976).

In the event that permission is denied after proper written application, the party seeking permission may file a written objection to a committee of three appointed by the city council within fifteen days following the rejection of the permission by the building inspector. The findings of the appointed committee shall be brought before the city council on the next regular meeting, and due written notice to the applicant shall be given. (Ord. 76-203 §3, 1976).

Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the building inspector from removing diseased trees or shrubs, or such trees or shrubs that are hazardous or dangerous to the general public. Notice of such removal shall be made and, if no written objections are filed with the committee within fifteen days following, the building inspector shall proceed with the removal. (Ord. 76-203 §4, 1976).

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding thirty days, or by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 76-203 §5, 1976).

1 For statutory provisions on injuring shade or ornamental trees, see Penal Code § 622.