A.
Views. The applicant shall prepare a visual analysis of the site and surrounding area, particularly paying attention to scenic vistas of the Delaware River and Rancocas Creek. The Joint Land Use Board may require layouts to respect the scenic views.
B.
Mature vegetation. The applicant shall prepare a plan showing all trees in excess of 10 inches caliper at 4.5 feet in height. Wherever possible, mature vegetation will be spared, and appropriate conservation measures undertaken. The location(s), species, and size of all deciduous trees 10 inches or greater in caliper at 4.5 feet in height or evergreen and coniferous trees greater than eight feet in height to be removed shall be shown on a survey or site plan. The location of replacement trees including a replacement schedule, indicating species, quantities, and size in accordance with § 91-6B(5) shall be provided.
[Amended 11-14-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-11]
(1)
In residential developments, trees shall be planted throughout the site at a rate of one tree per 1,000 square feet of upland lot area, outside of improvements, or fraction thereof.
(2)
In nonresidential developments, trees shall be planted throughout the site at a rate of one tree per 1,000 square feet of upland lot area, outside of improvements or fraction thereof.
(a)
Of the quantity specified above, 60% shall be shade trees at a minimum caliper size of two inches to 2.5 inches and/or evergreen and coniferous trees at six to eight feet in height.
(b)
Of the quantity specified above, 40% shall be shade trees a minimum caliper size of 2.5 inches to 3.5 inches and/or evergreen and coniferous trees at eight to 10 feet in height.
(3)
Where existing, mature upland forest, containing a predominance of trees four inches in diameter at 4.5 feet height at the approval of the Board Landscape Architect, which are preserved and adequately protected and not injured during and subsequent to construction may be deducted from the quantity of trees required at the rate of one tree for every 2,000 square feet of mature upland forest. Note: Only upland areas and existing trees, which are located on the property being developed, shall be considered to satisfy this requirement; neither plantings provided in conjunction with other ordinance requirements nor trees within the right-of-way shall be considered.
(4)
An accurate limit of woodland to be cleared and planting sites for new plantings shall be indicated on the landscape plan, individual plot plan, or site plan and must be submitted to the Board Landscape Architect for review and approval prior to preliminary approval.
(5)
Mitigation required for tree removal in excess of 10 inches caliper or eight feet in height.
(a)
Mitigation for tree removal shall be required for removal of trees requiring site plan or subdivision approval; and/or for clearing of trees occurring beyond any approved limit of clearing that was not approved as part of any site plan or subdivision approval.
(b)
Replacement trees. Replacement trees shall generally be replaced with the same species, or other native New Jersey species, except in the case of disease prone or not aesthetically appropriate species; and shall be required in accordance with the following schedule:
Caliper or Height of Removed Tree | Number of Replacement Trees for Each Tree Removed Measuring: |
|---|---|
10 to 12 inches caliper deciduous/8 to 14 feet height evergreen and coniferous | 1 |
12 to 16 inches caliper deciduous/14 to 18 feet height evergreen and coniferous | 2 |
16 to 24 inches caliper deciduous/18 to 26 feet height evergreen and coniferous | 3 |
24 + inches deciduous/26 + feet height evergreen and coniferous | 4 |
(6)
Exceptions.
(a)
Commercial nurseries, fruit orchards, state-approved forest management, and agricultural uses.
(b)
Removal of dead, dying, diseased, severely damaged, or any tree which is deemed a hazard to structures, infrastructure, or human life.
(c)
Any tree on public lands under the control of any governing entity, including parks and rights-of-way.
(d)
Approved pruning or removal by utility companies for maintenance.
(e)
Fire hazard areas.
(f)
Where lot area is less than two times the required minimum lot size, then lots containing single-family or two-family dwellings and properties within these residential districts.
(7)
Planting standards. All replacement trees shall be nursery grown, certified and guaranteed for a life of at least two years from the date of installation or planting and if dead or dying (as determined by the Planner), replacement is required. The replacement trees shall have a minimum caliper of 2.5 inches for shade trees, 1.5 inches for ornamental trees, and a height of six feet for evergreen and coniferous trees.
(8)
Off-site compensation. If all the required replacement trees cannot be accommodated on the applicant's site, at the request of the applicant, the deficit may be planted at an off-site location, which shall be Township or other publicly owned property, as determined by the Township Committee or their designee. The replanting plan shall be prepared by the applicant for approval by the Township Landscape Architect. In the alternative to on-site replanting, the applicant may elect to contribute a cash equivalent to the Township to be placed in an account and used for the purpose of replacement trees by the Township or their designee for use on public property or within any right-of-way. If a cash contribution is offered, the contribution will be calculated, based upon current bond estimating, and made prior to the filing of any subdivision plan or prior to the issuance of permits.
C.
Layout of buildings and parking areas. The layout of buildings and parking areas will replicate to the extent possible the existing development in the neighborhood. Building setbacks, where possible, are to be averaged. Other new development will provide off-street parking and loading in the rear or side yards.
