Purpose
The Village of Lincolnshire has long been known for its beautiful woodland setting. The oak/hickory forest component which comprises a majority of the Village lends itself effortlessly to Lincolnshire's distinctive rural character. Lincolnshire's Tree Preservation Code was established in 1987 by the Mayor and Board for the purpose of preserving and protecting this precious woodland resource.
Value of Trees
Trees provide many benefits to Lincolnshire's urban environment. They:
- Provide habitat and food sources for birds and other wildlife.
- Naturally, reduce air pollution by filtering out harmful gasses and replenishing the atmosphere with oxygen.
- Lower heating and cooling costs.
- Reduce surface water runoff resulting from storms.
- Absorb sound and buffer noise, such as vehicular traffic.
- Enhance economic stability by attracting businesses and visitors.
- Increase property values up to 15 percent.
General Requirements for Tree Removal
The Tree Preservation Ordinance requires that a permit be acquired prior to the removal of any tree in the Village. A tree removal permit or written authorization must be obtained from the Department of Public Works. Circumstances that warrant a tree removal permit would be when trees that would otherwise be destroyed by construction activities or site improvements are to be relocated to another location or replaced with suitable replacement trees upon the site.
In determining the required replacement of trees, the Department of Public Works will evaluate the following:
- Existing tree coverage on the site and surrounding area
- Number of trees to be removed on entire site
- Type, size, and condition of the tree(s) to be removed
- Feasibility of relocating the tree(s)
- Topography, grading, and drainage of the site
- The extent to which the tree contributes to the aesthetic, economic and environmental integrity of the surrounding area
Penalty
Failure to obtain a tree removal permit or authorization prior to removing a tree may result in the issuance of a citation for violation of the Village Code regulations and will result in a fee three times that of the original permit fee.
Tree Preservation During Construction
The Tree Preservation Ordinance also applies to new developments and alterations to existing structures. Plans submitted to the Village must identify all trees in or adjacent to the construction area. The Village may require remedial measures including, but not limited to, protective fencing, root pruning, pumping of concrete, and site access limitations.
Exceptions
A tree removal authorization may be granted by the Department of Public Works when a tree, due to natural circumstances, is dead or irreversibly declining. Such a tree may be removed only after the Department of Public Works, at its sole and absolute discretion, has verified that such a condition exists. Authorizations may also be issued for trees that are 1) in danger of falling, 2) a sight-line obstruction at a road or driveway intersection, or 3) a health hazard.
Emergency Situations
In the event that any tree endangers the health, safety, or property and requires immediate removal without delay (e.g. a tree damaged in a storm), a verbal authorization may be given by the Department of Public Works and shall later be confirmed in writing by the Department.
Additional Information
Tree Preservation requirements are further described in Title 13, Chapter 1 of the Village Code, which is also available for review during regular business hours at the Village Hall.