Rochester council regulates tree removal, medical marijuana transportation

By RYAN FELTON ryan.felton@oakpress.com; @ryanfelton13

Rochester City Council adopted a few ordinances this week that regulate tree removal, outdoor smoking guidelines for restaurants and the transportation of medical marijuana.

Outdoor smoking

The council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night that set standards for businesses intending to construct an outdoor smoking area.

The new ordinance addresses two policy questions: smoke being pulled inside a facility from smokers standing directly in front of an entrance, as well as the conversion of outdoor dining areas to smoking areas.

City Manager Jaymes Vettraino noted the resolution has no impact to individuals who step outside of a facility to smoke.

Vettraino said the ordinance would guide current and future business owners interested in creating an outdoor hookah lounge, cigar lounge or a general smoking area.

Tree removal

Rochesters tree ordinance has been in place since 2009 to address the preservation of our urban canopy, Vettraino said.

It also dictates that certain landmark trees defined by certain guidelines that address height, age and health cannot be removed, he said.

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Rochester council regulates tree removal, medical marijuana transportation