§ 16-145 Removal of fallen tree limbs, branches, and vegetation after severe weather.
AC § 16-145
a. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: Severe weather. The term “severe weather” includes but is not limited to rain, sleet, ice, snow, and wind, or any combination thereof that causes widespread tree damage. Street. The term “street” has the same meaning as in section 16-460. Tree. The term “tree” has the same meaning as in section 18-103. Vegetation. The term “vegetation” has the same meaning as in section 18-103. b. The department shall assist the department of parks and recreation in removing tree limbs, branches, and vegetation fallen from trees under the jurisdiction of the department of parks and recreation that obstruct streets after severe weather. Such removals may be conducted after the department of sanitation receives notice of such fallen tree limbs, branches, or vegetation by the department discovering the fallen tree limbs, branches, or vegetation, through the 311 customer service center, or through referral from the department of parks and recreation. Such assistance shall not take precedence over the department’s core duties. Such removals shall take place within 10 days of the department receiving such notice, except that such removals need not take place within 10 days if a state of emergency has been declared by the mayor, the governor of the state of New York, or by the president of the United States. c. The department is not responsible for removing downed trees or vegetation, or any portion thereof, if such removal requires specialized equipment such as cutting tools, ropes, aerial lifts, or cranes. d. This section does not interfere with the commissioner of parks and recreation’s jurisdiction or responsibilities over trees and vegetation pursuant to section 18-104. (L.L. 2024/018, 1/20/2024, eff. 1/20/2024)
