After storms and other severe weather events, plant life such as broken tree limbs, branches and small vegetation are scattered on public streets and sidewalks. In an effort to clear the streets and sidewalks faster without overburdening the Department of Parks and Recreation, this bill requires the Department of Sanitation to assist the Department of Parks and Recreation with removal after inclement weather and upon proper notice.
- Filed (End of Session)
History
Int. No. 1298
By Council Members Deutsch, King, Palma, Lancman, Gentile, Cabrera, Salamanca, Maisel, Vacca, Koslowitz, Johnson and Torres
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring the department of sanitation to remove fallen tree limbs, branches and vegetation that obstruct streets and sidewalks as a result of inclement weather
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 16 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 16-143 to read as follows:
§ 16-143 Removal of fallen tree limbs, branches and vegetation after inclement weather. a. Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
Inclement weather. The term “inclement weather” includes but is not limited to rain, sleet, ice, snow, wind, or extreme heat and cold.
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 fallen tree limbs, branches and vegetation that obstruct sidewalks, streets and parking spaces within 72 hours of discovery after inclement weather, such as through the department of sanitation discovering the fallen tree limbs, branches and vegetation or through a 311 call, although such assistance shall not take precedence over the department of sanitation’s core duties.
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 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.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
SSY
LS # 8713
10/06/2016 11:56am