[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee (now Council)
of the Township of Jackson 12-22-2003 by Ord. No. 41-03; amended in its entirety
by the Township Council 8-11-2009 by Ord. No. 21-09 (Ch. 100 of the 1972
Code). Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Land use and development regulations — See Ch. 244.
A.
Indiscriminate, uncontrolled and excess destruction, removal and
cutting of trees upon lots and tracts of land within Jackson Township
will cause increased drainage control costs, increased soil erosion
and sedimentation, decreased fertility of the soil, degradation of
water resources, decreased groundwater recharge, increased buildup
of atmospheric carbon dioxide, the establishment of a heat island
effect and increased dust and pollution. The singular or cumulative
affect of any of the foregoing could adversely impact the character
of Jackson Township, decrease property values, render the land unfit
and unsuitable for its most appropriate use, and negatively affect
the health, safety and general welfare of Jackson's residents.
Thus, the Township governing body desires to regulate and control
indiscriminate and excessive cutting of trees within the Township
and to require appropriate tree replacement.
B.
It is recognized that there is a strong interrelationship between
the integrity of the Township's water resources, development
on steep slopes, tree removal, soil disturbance, stormwater management
and the general use of the land resources. Fewer trees throughout
the Township also correlates with increased air pollution. Therefore,
the governing body finds that the appropriate management of these
resources is an important health, safety and general welfare concern.
Managing the Township's tree resources is consistent with the
state-approved community forestry management plan, as in P.L. 1996,
c. 135.[1] The appropriate management guidelines for tree preservation
to be utilized are:
(1)
The American National Standard, ANSI A300 (Part 5) — Management;
(2)
Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees
During Land Development, Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark; and
(3)
Protection and Care of the Urban Forest, NJDEP Division of Parks
and Forestry.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 13:1L-17.1 et seq.
C.
Trees are declared to be an important cultural, ecological, scenic
and economic resource. Proper management of this resource will ensure
its maintenance and result in economic returns. A forestry management
program is intended to meet the objectives of preserving, protecting,
enhancing and maintaining trees and providing opportunities for the
continued use of forest resources which are compatible with the maintenance
of the environment. This will be accomplished by ensuring management
of forest and trees through the application of sound management practices.
To that end, it shall be unlawful to cut down, damage, poison or in
any other manner destroy or cause to be destroyed any trees covered
by this chapter, except in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter.
D.
The enforcement of this chapter shall be the duty of the Shade Tree
Commission of Jackson Township and its agents, such as the Tree Specialist,
through the regulation, planting, care and control of shade, ornamental
and evergreen trees and shrubs in the streets, highways, public places
of the Township and tree removal on all lands within the Township.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
"Caliper" is a type of diameter measurement used in the nursery
industry. The height measurement shall be taken from ground level
for field-grown stock and from the soil line for container-grown stock,
which should be at or near the top of the root flare. Caliper measurement
of the trunk shall be taken six inches above the top of root flare
up to and including four-inch caliper size. If the caliper at six
inches above the ground exceeds four inches, the caliper should be
measured at 12 inches above the top of root flare. Seldom are tree
trunks perfectly round. The most accurate measurement will result
from the use of a diameter tape. Caliper measurements taken with manual
or electronic slot or pincer type caliper tools should be the average
of the smallest and largest measurements.
A plan developed by a municipality that outlines the goals
and objectives for managing trees on municipal property with the intent
of minimizing liability to the municipality and maximizing the useful
life of the tree resource. The plan is to be approved by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks and Forestry,
New Jersey Forest Service. A Shade Tree Commission shall be formed
to oversee the implementation of the community forestry management
plan.
The diameter of a tree measured 4 1/2 feet above the
uphill/highest side.
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by
water, ice, wind and gravity.
The lot area as provided in this chapter for which tree replacement
shall not be required.
A plan for the management of timbered or forested lands approved
by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey
Forest Service, or similar state or federal agency.
A tree that has been found to be of notable historic interest
to Jackson Township because of its age, type, size or historic association
and which has been so designated and that designation has been officially
made and promulgated as part of the official records of the Township.
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved
and set aside, dedicated, designated or reserved for public or private
use and enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants
of land adjoining or neighboring such open spaces, provided that such
areas may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets
and off-street parking and other improvements that are designated
to be incidental to the natural openness of the land.
Shade tree commissions can be formed by municipal ordinance,
N.J.S.A. 40:64-1 et seq.
Any tree in fair or better condition which is so designated
by the Shade Tree Commission based on considerations of whether the
tree is a rare species or specimen thereof; is abnormal in height,
trunk diameter or dripline circumference for a tree of its species;
has foliage of an unusual quality for a tree of its species; occupies
a location which confers special shade tree, fragrance, erosion control,
aesthetic, scenic enhancement, historic, preservation or cultural
values to the community. For purposes of this definition, "in fair
or better condition" shall mean that a tree has a relatively sound
and solid trunk with no evidence of extensive decay or visual evidence
of being hollow and with no major insect or pathological problem.
Any deciduous or coniferous species which has a DBH of six
inches or greater.
A fund established by the governing body for the administration
and promotion of tree and shrubbery resource sustainability projects
and practices which may be consistent with the Community Stewardship
Incentive Program as outlined within the New Jersey Shade Tree and
Community Forestry Assistance Act, P.L. 1996, c. 135.[1]
A specific plan adopted by Jackson Township for the location
and placement of trees on public property.
A specific plan that contains tree locations and other information in accordance with § 405-5 herein.
The permit issued by the Shade Tree Commission or its designee
to remove or destroy a tree or trees.
A specific plan for replacement of removed trees in accordance
with the provision of this chapter.
The Mayor shall appoint a Tree Specialist. This individual shall
be responsible for the inspection of sites for which application(s)
are filed under this chapter. This individual will be responsible
for the administration and protection requirements of this chapter
and enforcement of the chapter as directed by the Shade Tree Commission.
A Tree Specialist is either of the following:
A forester who shall have a bachelor's degree in forestry
or arboriculture from a college or university, shall be certified
as a certified tree expert by the State of New Jersey and shall have
a minimum of three years' experience in planting, care and maintenance
of trees. The forester shall have the responsibility of reviewing
an approved forest management plan and inspecting the forested site
for plan compliance if requested by the Tax Assessor.
A conservation officer who shall be certified as a certified
tree expert by the State of New Jersey and shall have a minimum of
three years' experience in planting, care and maintenance of
trees.
The Tree Specialist shall be paid from the Tree Escrow Fund,
which is established herein, and shall be paid in accordance with
a fee schedule established by contract with the municipality.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 13:1L-17.1 et seq.
The terms and provisions of this chapter shall apply as follows:
A.
Unless specifically excepted in Subsection C below, it shall be unlawful for any person to remove or cause to remove trees with a DBH of six inches or more without first having obtained a tree removal permit as provided herein.
B.
Specimen and historic trees.
(1)
Trees which have been designated as specimen or historic under the
provisions of this chapter shall be maintained in a living condition,
and it shall be unlawful for any person to remove such tree without
an approved tree removal permit. No specimen or historic tree shall
be removed unless the applicant has obtained the approval of the Shade
Tree Commission.
(2)
The condition of trees proposed to be saved shall be evaluated by
use of guides as follows:
C.
Exceptions. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to the
following:
(1)
Any property upon which no trees are located, as confirmed by a statement
of no tree verification.
(2)
Any tree of less than six inches DBH.
(3)
Any tree or trees removed or cut in accordance with a forest management
plan, provided that such plan is filed with the Tree Specialist, Shade
Tree Commission and Tax Assessor.
(4)
Any tree or trees removed or cut in accordance with an approved conservation
plan prepared by the Soil Conservation District, provided that such
plan has been filed with the Shade Tree Commission and Tax Assessor.
(5)
Any tree or trees planted and grown for commercial purposes on property
used as a commercial nursery, tree farm, garden center, Christmas
tree plantation or tree orchard.
(6)
Any tree growing in a utility right-of-way or fire trail subject
to the approval of the Shade Tree Commission.
A.
Any person wishing to obtain a tree removal permit shall make application to the Shade Tree Commission by filing a written application with the Tree Specialist and paying such fees as are set forth in § 405-8. No permit shall be issued until a tree preservation and removal plan for the lot or parcel has been reviewed and approved as compliant with § 405-5 by the Tree Specialist.
B.
Where an application, as required by this chapter, has been submitted, no permit shall be issued until a tree save plan for the lot or parcel, if necessary, has been reviewed and approved as compliant with § 405-5 by the Tree Specialist, and until the filing of a written report of an on-site inspection by the Tree Specialist. Where an application is made in connection with the construction of a building or other improvement, no building permit shall be issued until the tree removal permit has been issued.
C.
All required escrow and bond fees for any application, including
required tree replacements or fees, shall be verified as paid prior
to the issuance of the tree removal permit.
D.
Tree removal permit applications shall be filed at the Tree Specialist's office and shall be completed in full. The application must be deemed complete and all required fees, as set forth in § 405-8, be paid prior to review.
E.
Inspections. After the application is complete and reviewed, the
Tree Specialist shall inspect the trees and property which are the
subject of the permit application within 30 days.
F.
Permit approval or denial. The Tree Specialist shall approve or deny
the tree removal permit within 10 business days after completion of
the inspection. The Tree Specialist shall notify the applicant in
writing of the factual basis and criteria for any denial. The final
decision of the Tree Specialist may be appealed to the governing body
by filing written notice within 10 days of the final decision. The
governing body shall hold a public hearing and issue its decision
within 60 days after notice of appeal is filed, unless the applicant
requests and the governing body consents to an extension of time.
The governing body may delegate its appeal responsibilities to the
Shade Tree Commission.
A tree preservation and removal plan shall be submitted to the
Tree Specialist's office. Applications that require Planning
Board or Zoning Board approval shall have tree preservation and removal
plans as part of the submittal to the Planning Board or Zoning Board
and said plans provided to the Tree Specialist for review and approval
in accordance with this chapter. Tree preservation and removal plans
shall contain the following:
A.
The name and address of the applicant.
B.
The name and address of the owner of the property from which the
trees are to be removed.
C.
The lot and block of the property.
D.
The shape and dimensions of the lot or parcel, including the location of all existing and proposed easements. If the tree removal permit is for a single-family residence, the plan shall consist of a tree location sketch containing the minimum amount of pertinent information to enable the determination of compliance with the regulations in this chapter, including the information set forth in Subsection D(1), (2), (6) and (8) below. The plan for any other property shall include a survey prepared by a licensed land surveyor that contains tree locations. The survey shall contain, at a scale of no less than one inch equals 50 feet, the following information:
(1)
The existing and proposed tree preservation limits.
(2)
The proposed limit of the clearing and all individual trees to be
retained outside the tree clearing identified by some approved method
as determined by the Tree Specialist, such as flagging, prior to the
field inspection. For any clearing greater than or equal to three
acres, a representative 5% of the wooded areas proposed to be cleared
shall be inventoried. The representative 5% shall be determined by
agreement between the Tree Specialist and the applicant. Where less
than three acres is proposed to be cleared, all trees to be removed
shall be inventoried.
(3)
The installation and limits of a temporary existing tree protection fence along the limits of the proposed tree removal shall be in compliance with § 405-10.
(4)
Locations of all forest types shall be identified by common and botanical
names of dominant tree species.
(5)
All specimen and historic trees to be removed shall be indicated
on the plan. All reasonable efforts shall be made to preserve such
trees, including, but not limited to, if feasible, relocation of infrastructure,
roadways and buildings. Removal of such trees shall require specific
written approval of the governing body with consideration of the Shade
Tree Commission's recommendations.
(6)
A proposed tree replacement plan in accordance with this chapter.
A tree replacement plan shall be considered the proposed landscaping
plan required for all subdivision and site plan approvals.
(7)
A North arrow.
(8)
The location of existing and proposed structures and improvements,
if any.
Any and all permits approved by the Shade Tree Commission shall
be declared null and void if the tree removal is not completed within
a reasonable time, not to exceed 12 months after permit issuance.
In no case will the permit be valid for more than 12 months. Permits
not used within this period will require a new application and the
payment of new fees. For purposes of this section, a permit shall
no longer be valid when the work authorized by the permit is completed.
A.
Upon completion of the Tree Specialist's field inspection report
and review of any requested recommendations, the Tree Specialist shall
approve a permit if:
(2)
The tree replacement plan is approved by the Tree Specialist;
(4)
At least one of the criteria as follows has been satisfied:
(a)
The tree is located in an area where a structure or improvements
will be placed in accordance with the approval of Planning/Zoning
Boards and the tree cannot be relocated on the site because of age,
type or size of the tree.
(b)
The tree is dead, diseased, injured, in danger of falling, is
too close to existing or proposed structures, interferes with existing
utility service, creates unsafe vision or clearance or conflicts with
other ordinances or regulations.
(c)
The tree is to be removed for harvesting as a commercial product
or for the purpose of making land available for farming or other agricultural
activity, or is to be removed in furtherance of a forest management
plan or soil conservation plan, or to serve some other purpose which
is consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
B.
The Tree Specialist may deny a permit if the removal will contribute
to extra runoff of surface water onto adjacent properties, erosion
or silting, and such conditions are not otherwise satisfactorily abated,
or if the tree removal causes:
A.
Application.
(1)
The applicant, at time of filing the application with the Tree Specialist,
shall pay the application fee of $10 for each new or existing lot.
No application shall be considered without the payment of the required
fees. An inspection fee of $25 will be applied to all applications
requiring an on-site verification.
B.
Tree Escrow Fund.
(1)
A Tree Escrow Fund shall be established and maintained by the Chief
Financial Officer of Jackson Township to receive and disburse replacement
tree contributions. Appropriations from the Tree Fund shall be authorized
by the governing body with consideration of the Shade Tree Commission
recommendation in accordance with the municipal tree planting plan.
(2)
The primary purpose of said fund is to provide for the planting and
maintenance of trees and shrubs on public property. The fund will
also cover administrative costs to implement the provisions of this
chapter, including but not limited to site inspections, processing
of permits and supervision of tree replacements. Administrative costs
imposed in accordance with this chapter shall not exceed 30% of the
fund, as determined on an annual basis.
A.
Tree replacement schedule.
(1)
Any tree removed pursuant to this chapter, unless exempt under § 405-3C, shall be replaced based on the following:
|
Number of Trees to be Removed
|
Size/Diameter
(inches)
|
Number of Replacement Trees
|
Size of Replacement Trees
|
Or Dollar Amount
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Greater than 6 up to 10
|
1
|
2 to 2 1/2
|
$240
| |
|
2
|
Greater than 6 up to 10
|
1
|
3 1/2 to 4
|
$420
| |
|
1
|
Greater than 10 up to 16
|
2
|
2 to 2 1/2
|
$480
| |
|
1
|
Greater than 16 up to 23
|
2
|
3
|
$840
| |
|
1
|
Greater than 23 up to 30
|
4
|
3 1/2 to 4
|
$1,680
| |
|
1
|
Greater than 30
|
5
|
3 1/2 to 4
|
$2,100
|
(2)
In cases where the tree cost requirement criteria is combined with
other criteria of this subsection, the value of proposed shade, ornamental,
evergreen and shrub material shall be deducted from the calculated
amount for replacement trees. The value of the proposed landscape
material shall be calculated based upon average local material costs
for planting.
B.
The applicant will receive a one-for-one replacement tree credit
should stands of 10 or more trees greater than four inches in diameter
be preserved within the limit of the disturbance line.
C.
All replacement trees shall be planted on site in accordance with
the foregoing. However, if one or more of the following conditions
exist, some or all of the replacement trees may be planted off site:
(1)
The site in question cannot physically accommodate the total replacement
amount of trees, and the applicant contributes an amount equal to
the calculated monetary value of nonreplaced trees to the Tree Escrow
Fund; or
(2)
The Tree Specialist and applicant agree in writing that the applicant
shall make payment to the Tree Escrow Fund based upon the chart provided;
or
(3)
The Tree Specialist and applicant agree in writing that the applicant
shall plant replacement trees off site on municipally owned property
pursuant to the municipal tree planting plan.
D.
Notwithstanding the tree replacement fee schedule in Subsection A above, in all commercial and industrial applications, the tree replacement fee shall be $25 per tree, with a maximum amount of $2,500 per acre. Specimen and historic trees shall not be included in this fee calculation, but shall be assessed a separate fee in accordance with the fee schedule provided in Subsection A above.
A.
Protective barriers.
(1)
Prior to construction and any tree removals, suitable tree protective
barriers shall be erected, and this protection, where required, shall
remain until such time as the protection is authorized to be removed
by the Tree Specialist or after issuance of a final certificate of
occupancy. In addition, during construction, no attachments or wires
shall be attached to any of said trees so protected. Where some grading
must take place within the dripline of trees in the protection zone,
appropriate measures shall be taken to minimize impact to the trees.
Any trees seriously damaged during construction must be professionally
treated by a New Jersey certified tree expert or replaced if the damage
is beyond treatment.
(2)
A detail of the existing tree self-supported protective barrier shall
be provided on all applications. The protective barrier shall be a
minimum of four feet high.
(3)
The self-supported protective barrier shall be placed, as determined
by the Tree Specialist, at the dripline of any tree along the limit
of clearing and around the entire dripline for trees to remain undisturbed
within the limit of clearing. Refer to: Trees and Development, Table
6.2, page 74.
(4)
It shall be unlawful for any person in the construction of any structure
or other improvement to place solvents, material, construction machinery
or temporary soil deposits within the dripline.
B.
Street right-of-way and utility easements may be delineated by placing
stakes a minimum of 50 feet apart and tying ribbon, plastic tape,
rope, etc., from stake to stake along the outside perimeters of such
areas to be cleared.
Any tree removed pursuant to a tree removal permit shall be replaced as provided below, unless said tree is located in an exempt area, is dead or fatally diseased as determined by a certified tree expert, or tree replacement payment is made pursuant to § 405-9. Tree replacement shall be required in accordance with the standards set forth in ANSI Z60.1, American Standard for Nursery Stock. Tree replacement shall be in accordance with either Subsection A, B, C or D below or a combination of Subsections A, B, C and D.
A.
One-to-one tree replacement. For each tree six inches in DBH or greater
that is removed, the applicant shall prepare a replanting plan for
other areas of the property. The replacement plan or landscape plan
shall reflect a one-to-one tree replacement for each tree six inches
or greater to be removed. All proposed replacement trees shall be
in accordance with selections from Trees For New Jersey Streets, published
by the New Jersey Shade Tree Federation, and Street Tree Factsheets,
a publication of the Municipal Tree Restoration Program, and submitted
for review and approval prior to the issuance of a tree removal permit.
B.
Tree area replacement/reforestation. For each square foot of tree
area to be removed, the applicant shall prepare a reforestation scheme
on other treeless open space areas of the property to compensate for
the tree removals. The reforestation plan shall be based on a twenty-foot-by-twenty-foot
grid. Of this number of trees, 10% shall be balled and burlaped, two-inch
to two-and-one-half-inch caliper; 20% shall be balled and burlaped,
one-and-three-fourths-inch to two-inch caliper; 30% shall be bare
root one-and-one-fourth-inch to one-and-one-half-inch caliper; and
40% shall be bare root six-foot- to eight-foot-tall whips. A mixture
of trees, indigenous to the area and site, shall be utilized. Proposed
trees shall be planted in natural groves and may be spaced five feet
to 20 feet on center. The ground shall be seeded with a grass mixture
approved by the Shade Tree Commission. The reforestation formula shall
follow the guidelines as set forth in the New Jersey No Net Loss Reforestation
Act, P.L. 1993, c. 106 (N.J.S.A. 13:1L-14.2).
C.
Credits. The permit applicant will receive a one-to-one replacement
tree credit:
(1)
For stands of 10 or more trees with a DBH of six inches or greater
preserved within the limit of the disturbance line; or
(2)
Forested areas of one acre or greater, which are left natural and
conveyed to the Township with a deed restriction that they will remain
forested and undeveloped. This conveyance excludes all previous dedicated
easements.
D.
All replacement trees shall be planted on site, unless all of the replacement trees cannot be physically accommodated. In such instance, the applicant shall pay the tree replacement fee in accordance with the schedule in § 405-9.
E.
Exempt areas.
(1)
For all existing residential properties and new residential development
with a proposed lot area of less than 40,000 square feet, up to 50%
of the lot area may be exempt area. For residential development with
a proposed area of 40,000 square feet or greater, up to 20,000 square
feet in area may be exempt area. The exempt area shall be calculated
as a contiguous, circular area from a fixed point within the footprint
of the existing or proposed primary residential structure on the property.
The exempt area should be calculated to minimize any adverse environmental
impacts.
(2)
Agricultural operations are exempt from replacement requirements because such operations are governed by the Right to Farm Act, N.J.S.A. 4:1C-1 to 4:1C-10, which preempts local regulation. Property owners claiming exemption under this subsection must continue to farm the property in question as described on the tree removal permit for a minimum of five consecutive years after the date of clearing or date of commencement of the prescribed farming activity that is deemed compliant by the Tree Specialist. An approved permit must be submitted prior to clearing. If the property is not farmed as prescribed on the tree removal permit within three years of the tree removal or is developed for any other use before the five years expires, the reforestation replacement obligation in accordance with § 405-11B will be enforced according to the new use of the property.
(3)
In all commercial, industrial and nonresidential developments, with
a proposed buildable lot area less than 40,000 square feet, up to
50% of the lot area may be exempt area. For development with a proposed
buildable area of 40,000 square feet or greater, up to 20,000 square
feet in area may be exempt area. The exempt area shall be calculated
as a contiguous, circular area from a fixed point within the footprint
of the existing or proposed primary structure on the property. The
exempt area should be calculated to minimize any adverse environmental
impacts.
(4)
Utility line clearance operations, provided that such plan is filed
with the Tree Specialist and work performed in accordance with ANSI
A300 Part 7: BMP Utility Pruning of Trees, and Board of Tree Experts
Pruning Standards for Shade Trees, Section 5.5.
In case of emergencies, such as hurricanes, fire, windstorm,
ice storm, flood, freezing temperatures or other disaster, or in the
case of dead or diseased trees which are a hazard to persons or property,
the requirements of the regulations set forth in this chapter may
be waived by the Tree Specialist upon a finding that such waiver is
necessary so that the public or private work to restore order on the
property in the Township will not be impeded.
A.
The Shade Tree Commission is hereby authorized to issue stop-work
orders to the holder of the tree removal permit, and the Tree Specialist
is authorized to recommend the issuance of stop-work orders in the
event that there is:
B.
The stop-work order shall remain in effect until the Shade Tree Commission,
upon recommendation of the Tree Specialist, has determined that the
resumption of work will not violate the plans, permit or the provisions
of this chapter.
The Shade Tree Commission in conjunction with the Tree Specialist
shall oversee all tree removals pursuant to an issued tree removal
permit. The Tree Specialist shall conduct adequate inspections of
all sites for which a tree removal permit has been issued. Upon the
ascertainment of a violation of this chapter, the Tree Specialist
or Shade Tree Commission shall refer enforcement actions to the Code
Enforcement Officer.
All provisions of this chapter shall apply to any person removing trees on behalf of any other person, including all tree removal construction companies or persons in the business of removing trees or construction. It shall be unlawful for any person or company to remove or cause to be removed any tree or undertake any work for which a permit is required pursuant to this chapter unless a valid permit therefor is in effect and is displayed in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 405-16; such removal or work shall constitute a violation of this section and shall subject the person or company violating this section to all penalties provided herein.
A.
The applicant shall prominently display on the site the tree removal
permit issued. Such permit shall be displayed continuously while trees
are being removed or replaced or work done as authorized on the permit
and for 10 days thereafter. In addition, the person or persons cutting
or removing trees, if other than the applicant, shall carry with him/her
authorization from the owner or applicant authorizing such person
to cut or remove trees. In the event that the trees are being cut
or removed in accordance with a forest management plan or a soil conservation
plan, a copy of the plan shall be in the possession of the person
cutting or removing such trees.
B.
As a condition for the issuance of the permit, the applicant shall
agree in writing to the entry onto his/her premises by the Tree Specialist
and all law enforcement officers as necessary to effectuate the provisions
of this chapter, and such entries shall be deemed lawful. Failure
to allow such entry shall be unlawful and shall constitute a violation
of this chapter and shall constitute failure to display the permit
as required herein. It shall be unlawful and considered a violation
of this chapter for any person to engage in the business of plant
cutting, trimming, removal, spraying or otherwise treating trees,
shrubs or vines within the Township and without the applicable certification
or license for the designated work. All contractors offering tree
care services for hire within Jackson Township shall register annually
with the Tree Specialist, provide a current certificate of insurance
showing evidence of employer liability and workers' compensation
coverage for the work to be performed, and shall comply with applicable
OSHA regulations, ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards, New Jersey Board of
Tree Experts Pruning Standards for Shade Trees and ANSI A300 Practice
Standards.
The Tree Specialist shall perform the duties set forth in this
chapter and shall be responsible for the enforcement of the provisions
of this chapter as directed by the Shade Tree Commission. In this
regard, the Tree Specialist is authorized and shall perform any necessary
inspections and is further authorized and shall issue violation notices
and shall sign complaints and provide testimony in the Municipal Court
for violations of this chapter.
A.
Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, association or other
legal entity violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall,
upon conviction of such violation, be punished by a fine of up to
$2,000 for each offense, in the discretion of the Judge before whom
conviction may be had. Each illegally removed tree shall be considered
a separate violation. Each violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter and each day the same is violated shall be defined and taken
to be a separate and distinct offense. In addition, the court may
order restitution (fine and/or appraised value, whichever is greater)
and/or replacement of the tree illegally removed.
B.
In addition to other remedies, the Shade Tree Commission, Tree Specialist
or other authorized official may institute any appropriate legal action
to prevent a continuing violation of the terms of this chapter.
