Tree Ordinances and Commissions
The process of adopting a tree ordinance or tree commission will vary from municipality to municipality. There are 169 towns in Connecticut. Cities and towns may be co-terminous or a city may be within only part of a town. In addition, there are boroughs and other municipal subdivisions. Some towns are governed solely by the Connecticut general statutes, but other municipalities and municipal subdivisions are governed by charters. Thus, any of the examples of tree ordinances or commissions provided below may need to be modified in order to comply with the requirements of applicable charters. Adopting a tree ordinance can support tree warden decisions that are protective of the municipal tree canopy.
Tree wardens also have the authority to adopt regulations, effective upon posting following the approval of the Board of Selectmen or borough warden, pursuant to Section 23-59, C.G.S.
Tree wardens also have the authority to adopt regulations, effective upon posting following the approval of the Board of Selectmen or borough warden, pursuant to Section 23-59, C.G.S.
Section 16-11 of the Branford Tree Ordinance discourages ground to sky line clearance by the electric distribution company.
A Fairfield Ordinance specifies requirements for an application for tree or shrub planting, removal or pruning, including information on the size, species, type and location or proposed location of a tree or shrub. The Tree Warden may require additional information. The ordinance authorizes the Tree Warden to issue a permit with conditions and limitations that the Tree Warden considers necessary or desirable. See Fairfield Application, which appears to serve as the Permit upon approval.
The Greenwich Tree Ordinance requires the tree warden to adopt a Public Tree Policy. Both address pruning and removal of trees by public utilities. See Greenwich Permit for CL&P, for sample form.
The Hamden Ordinance Establishing a Tree Commission, was adopted in May of 2014.
A Town of Orange Ordinance requires the tree warden to be a licensed arborist and establishes a tree committee.
Guidelines for Developing and Evaluating Tree Ordinances, published by ISA.
Links to information on tree ordinances and policies, American Society of Consulting Arborists. (Note: Errors in some of the links.)