(a) 
This article applies to properties that do not have a final plat approved by the city council. A grading permit from the city is required for removal of any trees. Removal of trees through, including but not limited to, the use of poison, chemicals or by any other acts that affect the health and/or life of the tree is also subject to this article.
(b) 
Agricultural crop harvesting of planted row crops and hay production are exempt from this article. However, any increase in areas for agricultural use and/or production, by removal of trees, is subject to this article.
(c) 
The removal of dead trees is exempted from this article. However, a property owner or its designee must receive written approval from the city manager or his designee before removing the dead tree.
(Ordinance 00-02-25, sec. 3, adopted 2/15/00)
(a) 
Any person, firm, corporation or business entity violating this article, or as amended, or any provision of this article, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be fined a sum not exceeding the amount set forth below. The penal provisions imposed under this article shall not preclude the city from filing suit to enjoin the violation. The city retains all legal rights and remedies available to its pursuant to local, state and federal law. This article is intended to provide for the preservation of groups of trees and/or an individual tree. Each individual tree removed in violation of this article shall constitute a separate offense. Fines shall be based on the following:
(1) 
Three hundred dollars per caliper inch of each tree as measured four feet, six inches above the grade or soil stain on the damaged or fallen tree.
(2) 
Fines shall be issued to the property owner as shown on the tax rolls on the date of the violation. The contractor, subcontractor, contracting company, and/or individual committing the violation are also subject to the same fines as the property owner.
(3) 
Property companies, contracting companies, and/or individuals in violation of this article will be halted on the site where trees have been removed until the city manager and/or his designee have made an assessment.
(Ordinance 00-02-25, sec. 4, adopted 2/15/00)