Public Township Council Meeting — Packet

DRAFT PROPOSED REVISIONS – OCTOBER 2011 25-27.1 Title. This chapter shall be known as the "Tree Protection and Removal Ordinance of the Township of West Orange." (Ord. No. 2177-08 § 1) 25-27.2 Findings and Purpose. a. The Township Council of the Township of West Orange finds that: trees are among the Township's most valuable natural resource assets, greatly enhancing the appearance of the Township and contributing to its suburban residential character; the integrity of Township and regional water resources is substantially affected by development on constrained land (e.g., steep slopes, wetlands and reduced depth to groundwater), tree removal, soil disturbance, storm water management and the general use of land resources; the preservation, protection and planting of trees aids in the stabilization of soil by the prevention of erosion and sedimentation, reduces stormwater runoff and the potential damage it may create, increases groundwater recharge thus enhancing the groundwater supply to streams and wetlands and the yield of water supply wells, aids in the removal of pollutants from the air and assists in the generation of oxygen, provides a buffer and screen against noise and pollution, provides protection against severe weather, aids in the control of drainage and restoration of denuded soil subsequent to construction or grading, provides a haven for birds and other wildlife and otherwise enhances the environment, protects and increases property values, conserves and enhances the Township's physical and aesthetic appearance, and generally protects the public health and safety as well as the general welfare. b. Numerous governmental, professional, educational and business sources have cited the importance of trees to our well-being: "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen, enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people." (U.S. Department of Agriculture). In one study, 83% of Realtors expressed the belief that mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000 and on homes listed for over $250,000 this perception increased to 98% (American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage). Healthy, mature trees are said to add an average of ten

r under $150,000 and on homes listed for over $250,000 this perception increased to 98% (American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage). Healthy, mature trees are said to add an average of ten percent to a property's value (USDA Forest Service). "Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent." (Management Information Services/ICMA). "The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day." (U.S. Department of Agriculture). "If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%." (Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research). "Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20 - 50 percent in energy used for heating." (USDA Forest Service). "In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension." (Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University). c. It is the purpose of this chapter to protect and foster the existence and health of trees growing within the Township's borders, to preserve the maximum possible number of trees in the development of a site or lot, to protect specimen trees, to encourage innovative design and grading to promote the protection of existing trees, and to prevent indiscriminate, uncontrolled and excessive removal and cutting of trees, as well as land use activities inconsistent with accepted arboricultural practices, which contribute to the destruction of or permanent injury to trees upon lots and tracts within the Township. The standards and procedures established by this chapter are intended to furnish criteria for the use of Township boards, committees, commissions and officers in evaluating applications for tree removal and for site plan, subdivision and other land development approvals. They are further intended to inform those with interests in real property in the Township of the requirements to be followed with respect to trees located in the Township. The purpose of this section is to protect

inform those with interests in real property in the Township of the requirements to be followed with respect to trees located in the Township. The purpose of this section is to protect 144