2839-24 Draft Amended Tree Removal Ordinance 4876-5203-6254 v.1 (1.17.24).pdf

12 2839. 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: 2839. 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 site that which they were removed, the owner/applicant shall replant the tree(s) on the immediate adjacent properties. 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 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. 2839. Tree Preservation and Replacement Fund: A Tree Replacement Trust Fund dedicated to receive and disburse replacement tree fees when the permit applicant has conclusively demonstrated that it is not feasible to replace a tree(s) removed from the applicant’s lot with other qualifying tree(s) planted on that site in accordance with Table “A.” The Tree Replacement Fund may also accept contributions for its purposes from private or public sources. The amount to be paid in the Tree Replacement Fund shall be in accordance with Table “A” and shall

Tree Replacement Fund may also accept contributions for its purposes from private or public sources. The amount to be paid in the Tree Replacement Fund shall be in accordance with Table “A” and shall be greater than the cost of on-site replacement both to encourage on-site tree replacement, the preferred approach under the Ordinance, and to assure that the Township is fully reimbursed for all fees and costs associated with off-site tree replacements. These fees shall be fixed by resolution and must be spent for tree replacements within one (1) year of the deposit into the account. All details of this fund shall be available to the public upon request. The Tree Replacement Fund in no way relieves the