2838-24 Amended Tree Removal Ordinance_With Comments.pdf

Draft 2/7/24—Administration Revisions to the Amended Tree Removal Ordinance 15 § ___-8: Tree Replacement Every tree removed shall be replaced pursuant to this Chapter. In no instance is tree replacement to be considered a penalty, but rather the minimum requirement(s) to implement the purposes of this section. Tree replacement shall not be a substitute for, but shall be in addition to, any penalty imposed for violation of the provisions of this section. Tree replacement required by this Chapter shall be completed within six months of tree removal unless the Township Forester or Land Use Board grants an extension until the next appropriate planting season. If any replacement tree planted pursuant to this section fails to thrive or dies within two years, it shall be replaced by the property owner within six months and the same shall be viable for an additional two (2) years. a. Tree replacement, as approved by the Township Forester, Land Use Board, and/or Township Engineer, shall be required to comply with Table “A.”: Tree Replacement shall occur in the following priority to amplify the goals of this Chapter to maintain the existing tree canopy within specific areas of the Township: 1. The owner/applicant shall replant tree(s) on the Lot that which they were removed. 2. If the tree cannot be replaced on the Lot or an adjacent Lot, the applicant shall have the burden of demonstrating how such replacement on their Lot is not feasible. If the owner/applicant cannot replace tree(s) on the Lot that which they were removed, the Township Forester first ask the immediate neighbors of contiguous Lots where the tree is removed whether they permit re-planting on their Lot. 3. If the owner/applicant is unable to replace tree(s) on the site that which they were removed or on the adjacent Lot(s), the owner/applicant shall pay into the Tree Removal and Replacement Fund in accordance with this Chapter. b. The Forester shall prioritize the Tree Removal and Replacement Fund to locations closest to the site of removal to amplify the goals of this Chapter. In furtherance of said goals, the Township Forester shall seek to prioritize replanting within 1,000 feet of the property line, and, if not feasible, anywhere within the municipality in accordance with Table “A.” c. Tree Replacement Fund. Pursuant to this section, unless the Township Forester has approved replacement of the

e, and, if not feasible, anywhere within the municipality in accordance with Table “A.” c. Tree Replacement Fund. Pursuant to this section, unless the Township Forester has approved replacement of the removed tree(s) on the permit holder’s property in accordance with Table “A,” the Township Forester shall condition tree removal upon payment to the Tree Replacement Fund, established hereunder. The Township Forester shall require payment to the Tree Replacement Fund if a person removes a viable tree as determined by the Township Forester which is not replaced on the same property or Lot. 1. Tree Preservation and Replacement Trust Fund: A Tree Replacement Trust Fund dedicated to receive and disburse replacement tree fees when the permit Deleted: site Deleted: owner/applicant Deleted: shall replant the tree(s) on the immediate adjacent properties.¶