If a tree planted on private property threatens to fall on a riparian property, is the mayor allowed to enter the private property and have the tree cut down? That is the question asked by a senator to the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion and Relations with Territorial Communities.
In its reply, the Ministry states that, since the mayor is in charge of the municipal police force whose purpose is to ensure good order, public safety, security and public health, he may, in the event of serious or imminent danger, order work to be carried out on private property. It must then have them carried out by the municipality (Article L2212-4 of the General Code of Territorial Authorities).
