A.
It is recognized that there is a strong relationship between Moorestown's quality of life and the integrity of the region's water quality, air quality, indigenous landscape and aesthetic amenities.
B.
Destruction of Moorestown's existing trees, woodlands, forests, meadows and other native natural plant associations contributes to increased soil erosion and sedimentation, increased stormwater runoff which results in increased costs to control runoff, decreased water quality, decreased groundwater recharge, increased greenhouse effects, increased dust and decreased property values. The appropriate management and use of existing vegetation resources are an important health, safety and welfare concern as per N.J.S.A. 40:48-2.
[Amended 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]
C.
Therefore, it is the intent of these regulations to protect and preserve the air, water, indigenous landscape and aesthetic quality of Moorestown Township by reducing the removal of trees, forests and woodlands and to restore trees when tree removal is necessary as part of land development or subdivision.
D.
Specifically it is the intent of the regulations to:
(1)
Reduce soil erosion and protect surface water quality by minimizing soil and tree root disturbance in existing woodlands, around tree masses or under individual trees.
(2)
Reduce stormwater runoff, velocity and volume by retaining woodland and forest areas where stormwater can infiltrate easily.
(3)
Increase groundwater recharge by retaining woodland areas where stormwater can infiltrate easily.
(4)
Improve air quality by conserving existing trees and other mature vegetation which produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
(5)
Protect wildlife habitat.
(6)
Retain existing trees to provide wind breaks, shade and other microclimate benefits.
(7)
Retain trees and woodlands that are important to the history or beauty of Moorestown.
(8)
Preserve and enhance property values by retaining and properly protecting existing trees.
(9)
Replace trees removed for land development.
(10)
Identify trees for protection and to provide guidance for their protection and/or replacement.
[Added 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]
(11)
Preserve and protect all trees within the Township, including those located within Township-owned properties and rights-of-way.
[Added 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]
(12)
Clearly set forth prohibited actions, and define penalties for prohibited actions.
[Added 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]
(13)
Establish a uniform standard for assessing the replacement costs for unauthorized removal, damage or destruction by private parties to trees.
[Added 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]
(14)
Standardize and simplify procedures for receiving, reviewing, approving/denying applications to plant, maintain, remove or replace trees.
[Added 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]
(15)
Establish a permit fee of $25 for administering permits required under this chapter.
[Added 4-23-2018 by Ord. No. 3-2018]