Trees and plants obstructing traffic
37. Where the Commissioner is satisfied that any tree or plant, whether or not dead or dying, on any premises adjoining a street, railway or rapid transit system or any part thereof —(a)
is likely, by falling or otherwise, to obstruct the traffic on the street, railway or rapid transit system or endanger the lives or property of travellers thereon; or
(b)
is obstructing or is likely, in any way, to obstruct the view of —(i)
any motorist on the street; or
(ii)
any operator of the railway or rapid transit system,
the Commissioner may serve an enforcement notice requiring the occupier of the premises to take such measures (including cutting the tree or plant or any part of it) as the Commissioner thinks fit within the time specified in the notice.
Power to enter and inspect premises for dangerous trees
37A.—(1) The Commissioner or an authorised officer may, at any reasonable time, enter any premises to inspect any tree or plant in order to ascertain if the condition of the tree or plant, whether or not dead or dying, constitutes a danger to any person or property.[9/2017]
(2) Where the Commissioner or authorised officer is satisfied that the condition of any tree or plant on the premises inspected under subsection (1) constitutes a danger to any person or property, the Commissioner or authorised officer may by a maintenance notice require the occupier of the premises —(a)
to maintain the tree or plant; or
(b)
to take such other measures as may be specified in the notice to abate the danger.[9/2017]
(3) A maintenance notice issued under subsection (2) must specify the date on which the notice takes effect, and the period (beginning on the date the notice takes effect) within which any step required by the notice must be taken.[9/2017]
Imminently dangerous trees or plants
38.—(1) Where the Commissioner is satisfied that —(a)
the condition of any tree or plant, whether or not dead or dying, on any premises constitutes an immediate threat to life or property; or
(b)
it is reasonably necessary to cut or damage a tree or plant, whether or not dead or dying, on any premises to protect human life or property from fire or for extinguishing or restricting the spread of fire,
the Commissioner may take such measures and do such works on those premises or other premises adjacent thereto as may be necessary to cut or damage the tree or plant or any part of it.
(2) All costs and expenses incurred by the Commissioner under subsection (1) constitute a debt due from the occupier of the premises mentioned in that subsection to the Board, and may be recoverable in the manner provided for in this Act.
Source: Singapore Statutes Online (Attorney-General's Chambers), © Government of Singapore.
