Regulation of Removal of Trees in Wayne County, Michigan
Many Michigan counties have ordinances that regulate tree removal. Michigan state law also provides rules on when, where, and how certain trees can be removed. Removal of trees in Wayne County, Mich., is governed by the Michigan Compiled Laws and the Wayne County Municipal Code. When removing trees in this county, check both of these important legal sources before you begin work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Trees on Roadways
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The Wayne County Road Commission is responsible for planting trees and shrubs along roadways in order to prevent erosion, according to the Wayne County Municipal Code. The Road Commission also has the power to issue permits to individuals who wish to remove roadway trees encroaching onto their property. If you want to remove a tree planted by the Road Commission, you must apply to the Road Commission for a permit. Removing a tree without a permit is a misdemeanor under Michigan law.
Removing Trees on or Near Property Lines
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Both Wayne County and the state of Michigan allow you to remove most trees near property lines, as long as the tree is on your property. You also can trim branches or roots that encroach onto your side of the property line, as long as you only cut up to the line. However, you may not remove a tree whose trunk enters the ground on your neighbor's side of the line. Under Michigan law, you could have to pay your neighbor up to three times the value of a tree removed without his permission. In order to ensure you have the right to remove a tree on or near your property lines, contact your township's surveyor's office to ensure the property lines are clearly marked and that you and your neighbors know where they are.
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Removing Property Line Markers
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Some trees on your property lines might haven been used by surveyors to determine the boundaries of your property. These trees should be described clearly on the deed to your property. If they are not clearly described or you cannot find the trees, contact your township's surveyor's office to find out whether the surveyors still use the trees to mark your property lines and, if so, which trees they are. Removing a tree that is a property line marker is a misdemeanor in Michigan, and can result in a Wayne County court conviction and a $50 fine, according to Michigan law.
Leaving Trees in the Roadway
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In Wayne County and other counties in Michigan, cut down trees cannot be left in the street. Under the Michigan Compiled Laws, leaving a tree in the street is a misdemeanor, and you can be fined for every day the tree or any part of it is left in the roadway. Although a permit from the Road Commission will allow you to cut down trees near the road without penalties, it will not protect you from fines for leaving the tree or any of its branches in the street, according to the Wayne County Municipal Code.
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References
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