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Parks committee sends amendment tightening penalties for unauthorized tree removal to council
Summary
The Green Bay Parks Committee voted March 11 to forward Ordinance 07-26 amending municipal code section 28-37 to clarify fines and valuation for unauthorized tree removal, proposing a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum tied to CTLA appraisals; staff will add public-facing guidance to the city website.
The Green Bay Parks Committee voted March 11 to send Ordinance 07-26, an amendment to municipal code section 28-37, to the city council for further readings and consideration. The change would set a minimum fee of $500 for unauthorized tree removal and allow a maximum equal to the calculated value lost using the latest edition of the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) guide.
Director presented the proposed revisions, saying the changes aim to align the ordinance and internal policy and to improve public notice of how fees are calculated. “Anybody who removes a tree or damages it without a permit would be charged no less than $500 and no greater than the calculated value lost according to the latest edition of the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers guide,” the Director said. The director also explained that when a removed tree no longer exists, staff would calculate value using the city’s tree inventory, photos and prior inspection notes.
Committee members discussed whether the internal policy would be published; the Director said the city’s policy remains an internal document but staff will add a plain-language statement and a link to the ordinance on the parks or forestry webpage so the public can see how fines are determined. Committee members also noted the ordinance text spells out “Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers” and the CTLA acronym inside the draft.
A motion to forward Ordinance 07-26 to the ordinances section for the required readings passed without recorded opposition. Alder Johnson was noted as out of town and not present for discussion; committee members said changes could still be discussed at council.
What happens next: the committee’s action forwards the draft ordinance to the city council’s ordinances process, where it will undergo the standard readings and opportunity for further amendment. Staff said the webpage notice and link to the ordinance would be posted if the council approves the referral.
