West Chester Tightens Tree Regulations

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester Borough Council approved an ordinance update permitting the borough’s arborist to enforce tree regulations.

Council adopted an ordinance in 2019 setting procedures up to protect the borough’s urban forest.

Sean Metrick, borough manager, said Thursday that the amendment to the ordinance allows the tree arborist to be empowered to submit citations to a local district court in the event the tree ordinance is violated.

“We think it makes sense for the arborist to be named because the arborist knows best and can testify best in cases that are heard by the court,” Metrick said.

To protect the heritage trees in the borough, residents are required to contact the borough’s arborist for input on removing trees.

The residents are required to obtain a permit with a security deposit of $500 pre small tree; $1000 for a medium tree; and $2,000 for a large tree.

The ordinance also sets fines ranging from $100 to $1000 for removing trees without a permit, injuring trees, placing stones around trees, piling materials close to trees and more.

Property owners are required to remove trees on private properties in the right-of-way

Failure to pay fines could result in penalties up to 30 days in prison.

For more information, contact the Public Works Department by email or 610-696-5282.