2838-24 Amended Tree Removal Ordinance_With Comments.pdf

Draft 2/7/24—Administration Revisions to the Amended Tree Removal Ordinance 5 including but not limited to homes, buildings, above-ground tanks, pools, sheds, signs, fences, and towers. STREET TREES OR SHADE TREES—A tree planted in a Township right-of-way within ten (10) feet of a curb. TOWNSHIP FORESTER—The Township-designated person primarily responsible for enforcing this chapter and who is qualified to do so by having the status of a Qualified Tree Expert; appointed by the Township of West Orange to implement this chapter and to carry out other related responsibilities as the Township may provide, including, but not limited to, developing and recommending (i) Township Woodlands Retention and Protection Plan; (ii) Township Tree Inventory; and (iii) Planting Schedule. TREE — A self-supporting perennial woody plant having a diameter of at least 4 inches measured at a point 4.5 feet (or 54 inches) from the ground at the base of the tree on its uphill side. TREE CANOPY—Tree canopy means the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above and that can be measured as a percentage of a land area shaded by trees. TREE REMOVAL NEIGHBOR NOTIFICATION FORM – A form required to be completed by an Applicant seeking to remove any trees which must be mailed and/or hand delivered to the contiguous Lots to where the tree is being removed. TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT APPLICATION—A form completed by the Applicant provided by the Township which shall be submitted to the Township Forester in accordance with Chapter XXX, § 5. TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PERMIT—A permit issued by the Township Forester to an Applicant who complies with all tree removal and replacement procedures set forth in this Chapter. TREE REPLACEMENT TRUST FUND—A dedicated fund established pursuant to this chapter. The purpose of the fund is to permit any applicant Applicant who removes a viable tree and demonstrates lack of feasibility in replanting replacement trees on-site the ability to pay a fee to the Fund. The amount of the fee that the applicant shall contribute must be made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; specifically Chapter XXX, § 8. VOLCANO MULCHING—Piling mulch against the trunk of a tree in the shape of a volcano causing tree roots to circle the trunk and subsequently weaken the tree. Thus, the tree root flare, which is the

8. VOLCANO MULCHING—Piling mulch against the trunk of a tree in the shape of a volcano causing tree roots to circle the trunk and subsequently weaken the tree. Thus, the tree root flare, which is the connection with the trunk root and the surface of the ground, shall remain visible at all times. Deleted: . Deleted: 2.5 Commented [SG4]: The standard definition of a tree is 4 inches in diameter measured at a point 4.5 feet (54 inches) from the ground at the base of the tree. Deleted: TREE OF HEAVEN—(Alianthus altissma) An invasive tree that attracts Japanese Spotted Lantern flies which pose a serious threat to the native ecosystem.¶ ¶ Deleted: ¶ Deleted: The applicant shall certify that that the Tree Removal Neighbor Notification Form has been delivered to all neighbors within 200 feet of the Applicant’s property line in accordance with this Chapter.… Deleted: ¶ ¶ Deleted: a