Commission asks attorney to draft tree-ordinance changes to let residents trim or remove trees in right-of-way with permit

The Mount Clemens City Commission on Sept. 21 discussed amending the city’s tree ordinance to allow property owners to trim or remove trees located in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property, and directed the city attorney to prepare draft amendments that would constrain the practice with permitting, bonding and safety requirements.

City staff proposed that any resident removal or trimming require a permit and a posted bond to ensure cleanup; work would have to be done by a licensed contractor with insurance that meets city requirements, stumps would have to be removed and debris hauled off, and the permit would specify work dates and street-closure needs to minimize traffic disruption.

Jeff Wood cautioned that allowing resident removal of healthy trees would be a "quite a drastic change," could affect tree-planting grants and the city's Tree City status, and urged care in framing the amendment. Other commissioners said residents should have an option to remove trees that repeatedly damage sidewalks if they follow the permit and insurance rules. Commissioner Forier moved and Commissioner Hammond supported directing the city attorney to draft the ordinance amendment; the motion passed by roll call.

The vote directed drafting of ordinance language but did not adopt a change. City staff will return a drafted ordinance for future consideration and formal adoption.