Public Township Council Meeting — Packet

DRAFT PROPOSED REVISIONS – OCTOBER 2011 officer's questions and also to provide an opportunity for the officer to provide advice about the condition, value and recommended care of all of the trees on the applicant's property to better meet the educational purpose of the chapter. The officer's inspection should confirm the location of the tree(s) sought to be removed, the reason(s) for the removal request, should note any risk factors for other trees on the property, and the likelihood of potential problems, such as increased soil erosion, water runoff, drainage problems, the presence of bedrock or steep slopes, and safety concerns on the subject property and on adjoining property, and make other appropriate officials aware of those potential problems and concerns. Any permit not acted upon within a period of twelve (12) months after issuance shall become null and void. b. Factors to be Considered Where Tree Removal is Sought. In deciding whether to issue a tree removal permit in connection with a development application, the Land Use Boards shall consider the following factors and in deciding all other applications, the officer shall consider the following factors: 1. Whether the proposed cutting down or removal would impair the growth and development of the remaining trees on the applicant's property or on adjacent properties; 2. Whether the proposed cutting down or removal would change existing drainage patterns; 3. Whether the proposed cutting down or removal would allow soil erosion or would increase dust; 4. Whether the proposed cutting down or removal would increase the amount of stormwater runoff on other properties in the area, whether contiguous or not; 5. Whether the proposed cutting down or removal would constitute a significant change in the screening between existing or proposed buildings or roads on the site and adjacent land or in the wooded aspect of the lot as viewed from any adjacent public road; 6. Whether the proposed cutting down or removal would constitute a horticulturally advantageous thinning of an existing overgrown area or the removal of dead or diseased trees; 7. Whether proposed changes in the topography of the area where such tree(s) are located

antageous thinning of an existing overgrown area or the removal of dead or diseased trees; 7. Whether proposed changes in the topography of the area where such tree(s) are located will create conditions, which may be injurious to the trees or other trees located nearby so as to require welling, construction of an aerification system, or tree removal or replacement; and 8. Whether the proposed cutting or removal would remedy a safety hazard to persons or structures. c. Review Standards to be Applied Where Tree Removal is Sought. A tree removal permit may only be granted subject to the following terms and conditions: 1. Applicant shall demonstrate that: (a) To the greatest extent possible, existing vegetation shall be preserved; (b) To the greatest extent possible, specimen trees and other large trees (ten (10) inch DBH and greater) shall be preserved; (c) On all residential lots existing natural screening and woodlands between lots, along property lines and between buildings shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible; (d) Suitable habitats shall be preserved for species of animals (including migratory animals) that are designated as endangered or threatened by Federal or State governmental authorities to the greatest extent possible; 148