2946-25 TREE ORDINANCE UPDATED (Redlined) 11.21.25.doc.pdf

11-24-2025 Ordinance on First Reading Deleted: 5/22/24-Accepting Changes from 5/7/24 Meeting and Incorporating Amendments from¶ 5/21/24 Council Meeting… § 28-5: Application Procedure for Tree Removal and Replacement Permits Formatted: Font: Not Bold Formatted: Space Before: 2.55 pt a. Every application for a tree removal and replacement permit shall be made by submission of the following: 1. Tree Removal and Replacement Application. The Applicant or Applicant's representative shall arrange for an infonnal in-person inspection by with the Township Forester. The Applicant shall clearly mark the trunk of each tree proposed to be removed at the height of four and one-half (4.5) feet above the ground so that such tree or trees may be inspected more easily by the Township Forester at any time after the initiation of the application procedure set forth herein. The Township Forester will explain this portion of the Ordinance and provide advice as to the condition, value and recommended care of other trees on the Applicant's Lot to satisfy the educational purpose of the Chapter. Upon request, the Township Forester shall assist any Applicant with completing the Tree Removal and Replacement Application required by this section. If the tree replacement is to be done on-site, a survey must be attached to the application to show the exact location of the replacement tree(s). The Township Forester's inspection shall confirm the location of the tree or trees sought to be removed, the reason for the application, and advise the Applicant whether the Tree Removal and Replacement Permit would be granted or denied based on the prohibitions contained in this ordinance. 2. An Applicant must submit to the Township Forester a Tree Removal and Replacement Application on forms provided by the Township. The Township Forester may request additional information to process the application. 3. The Tree Removal N eighbor Notification Form must be submitted to the Township with the Tree Removal and Replacement Application for the removal of any viable tree. The form shall be submitted in accordance herewith to all neighboring property owners who own the Surrounding Lots, as defined herein. The Applicant shall submit a written certification confirming the same. Failure to provide notice under this section shall be deemed a violation subject to enforcement under Chapter 28, § 10. 4. After

The Applicant shall submit a written certification confirming the same. Failure to provide notice under this section shall be deemed a violation subject to enforcement under Chapter 28, § 10. 4. After the Township Forester and the owners of the Surrounding Lots receive the Tree Removal Neighbor N otification Form for the removal of viable trees, the owners of the Surrounding Lots shall have seven (7) days to object to the proposed tree removal in writing articulating the basis for the objection. The Township Forester will have twenty- one (21) days thereafter to review any and all objections, the Tree Removal and Replacement Permit Application, and all other relevant documents to make a determination to grant or deny the Tree Removal and Replacement Permit. b. The fees associated with the filing of a Tree Removal and Replacement Application shall be prescribed by Resolution, but shall be no less than $100 per application for viable trees and $50 per application for non-viable trees. The fee for any additional tree removals shall be no less than $5 per application. A Tree Commented [PS32]: REMOVE Commented [PS33]: BY Deleted: Deleted: nn Deleted: N otification Commented [PS34]: FOR ANY VIABLE TREES. Deleted: fonn Deleted: confinning Commented [PS35]: FOR VIABLE TREES, Deleted: Pennit Deleted: detennination Commented [PS36]: CURRENTLY A $100 PERMIT FEE IS APPLIED ONLY TO VIABLE TREES. THE PURPOSE OF PERMITS FEES IS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROP OWNERS TO COVER TWSP ADMIN COSTS OF THEIR PROJECT, THE “PENALTY” IS IN THE REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT; THE LOSS OF REVENUE TO THE TOWNSHIP IS IN THE AREA OF $50,000 ANNUALLY. EXAMPLE: 2024- (246) PERMITS ISSUED- FEE CHARGED FOR (11). 2025 YTD- (357) PERMITS ISSD- FEE CHARGED FOR (39). THE “PENALTY” FOR REMOVING VIABLE TREES IS COVERED IN THE REPLANTING PLAN. ALTERNATIVELY, IF THE PERMIT FEE WAS “NO LESS THAN $50.00”, NON-VIABLE TREES COULD BE $50.00 EACH, WHILE VIABLE TREES COULD BE $100.OO EACH. EXAMPLE: THE YTD WOULD BE: Viable trees 130@ $100 = $13,000 2025 YTD Non-V trees 573@ $50 = $28,650 2025 YTD Development $6,500 2025 YTD TOTAL $48,150 2025 YTD