[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Riverhead 9-3-2002 by L.L. No. 27-2002 (Ch. 104 of the 1976 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Coastal erosion hazard areas — See Ch. 219.
Wetlands — See Ch. 295.
Zoning and land development — See Ch. 301.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Vegetation Protection Ordinance of the Town of Riverhead."
The Town Board of the Town of Riverhead finds that trees and other vegetation perform numerous important and essential functions, including but not limited to the stabilization and preservation of soil; maintenance of watershed areas which are essential to the Town's freshwater supply; absorption of air pollution and production of oxygen; establishment of natural barriers to noise and habitats for wildlife; and creation of a desirable aesthetic quality which is a key factor in the Town's existence as a rural resort community. The Town Board further finds that the destruction or removal of trees and other vegetation deprives all sectors of society of these benefits while disrupting ecological systems of which they are an integral part, and that regulation of such destruction or removal will protect and preserve property within the Town and promote the general welfare and health of its inhabitants.
In this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PERSON
Shall not include any governmental body or subdivision or agent thereof.
VEGETATION
Shall include trees, shrubs, bushes, grasses, flowers and similar plant life.
It shall be unlawful for any person to mar, remove, damage, deface or destroy any vegetation as defined in this chapter, whether or not such vegetation is living, under any of the following circumstances: on any public grounds or public property within the Town without the express written authorization of the Town Board or its duly designated agent.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all publicly owned lands within the Town of Riverhead.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation, punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or by both fine and imprisonment.