Hollidaysburg

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Chapter 25: Trees

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Chapter 25: Trees — Summary of Regulations (Hollidaysburg, PA)

This document outlines municipal regulations governing shade trees in Hollidaysburg, organized into two parts under Chapter 25.

Part 1: Maintenance, Removal, Planting

  • §101. Cost of Certain Work Paid by Owners of Abutting Property
    Property owners are responsible for paying the cost of planting, transplanting, or removing shade trees on borough streets — including associated work like guards, curbing, grading, and sidewalk/pavement replacement. The amount is certified by the Shade Tree Commission to Council and the Borough Treasurer.
    Amended: Ord. 629, 5/11/1987

  • §102. Notice of Assessment for Work; Municipal Claims Filed for Unpaid Assessments
    After assessment, the Borough Secretary must give 30 days’ written notice to the property owner. If unpaid within the designated time, a claim is filed and collected by the Borough Solicitor as with other municipal claims.
    Amended: Ord. 629, 5/11/1987

  • §103. Penalties for Violation of Laws, Rules and Regulations on Shade Trees
    The Shade Tree Commission can assess penalties for violations of its rules or Article XXVII of the Act of 1966 (P.L. 581), but only if approved by Borough Council resolution.
    Amended: Ord. 629, 5/11/1987

  • §104. Protection of Shade Trees
    The Shade Tree Commission has exclusive custody and control over public shade trees — including power to plant, remove, replace, maintain, protect, and care for them. It may also make and enforce rules for their protection.
    Original: March 22, 1949; amended by Ord. 352 (12/8/1960), Ord. 626 (4/13/1987), and Ord. 629 (5/11/1987)

Part 2: Rules and Regulations; Shade Tree Commission

  • §201. Definitions
    Establishes key terms used throughout the chapter.

  • §202. Protection and Maintenance of Shade Trees
    Reinforces the Commission’s authority over tree care and protection.

  • §203. Planting and Removal of Public Shade Trees; Public Notice Required
    Requires public notice before planting or removing public shade trees.

  • §204. Permits
    Likely governs permits needed for tree-related work (details not shown).

  • §205. Excavations
    Regulates excavation near trees (details not shown).

  • §206. Location of Shade Trees
    Specifies where trees may be planted or relocated (details not shown).

  • §207. Spacing
    Sets minimum spacing requirements between trees (details not shown).

  • §208. Species
    May restrict or recommend tree species (details not shown).

  • §209. Planting
    Details procedures for planting trees (details not shown).

  • §210. Care of Trees
    Outlines ongoing maintenance responsibilities (details not shown).

  • §211. Penalties
    Specifies penalties for violating tree regulations (details not shown).

  • §212. Appeal Procedure
    Allows appeals to Borough Council:

    • Filing an appeal stays any pending action until Council decides.
    • Council must hold a public hearing within 45 days of receiving the appeal.
    • Written notices must be mailed to appellant and Commission members.
    • Council must render a decision within 30 days after the hearing.
      Amended: Ord. 629, 5/11/1987

Key Takeaways for Residents

  • You may be billed for tree work done on streets in front of your property.
  • Unpaid assessments become liens and can be collected like taxes.
  • The Shade Tree Commission controls all public shade trees — you cannot remove or alter them without permission.
  • Violations can result in penalties, subject to Council approval.
  • You have the right to appeal decisions — hearings are public and timely.

All amendments referenced were enacted between 1949 and 1987, with the most recent being May 11, 1987.

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