The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article,
shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where
the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PLAN
A written plan delineating the maintenance that is required
throughout the year of a natural lawn which has been approved by permit.
NATURAL LAWN
Common species of grass and wild flowers native to North America which are designed and purposely cultivated to exceed eight inches in height from the ground. Specifically excluded in natural lawns are the noxious grasses and weeds identified in §
38-2.
NATURAL LAWN MANAGEMENT PLAN
A written plan relating to the management and maintenance
of a lawn which contains a legal description of lawn upon which the
planted grass will exceed eight inches in length, a statement of intent
and purpose for the lawn, a detailed description of the vegetation
types, plants and plant succession involved, and the specific management
and maintenance techniques to be employed.
The growth of a natural lawn in excess of eight inches in height
from the ground surface shall be prohibited within the Township unless
a natural lawn management plan is approved and a permit is issued
by the Township as set forth in this article. Natural lawns shall
not contain litter or debris and shall not harbor undesirable wildlife.
Property owners who wish to plant and cultivate a natural lawn
must submit their written plan and related information on the form
provided by the Township. The term "property owner" shall be defined
to include the legal title holder and/or the beneficial owner of any
such lot according to most current Township records. Applicants must
also submit an annual maintenance plan as part of the application
process.
The property owner may appeal the Utilities and Municipal Services
Director's decision to deny the natural lawn management plan
permit by submitting a written statement of appeal to the Utilities
and Municipal Services Director. All applications for appeal shall
be submitted within 21 calendar days of the notice of denial of the
natural lawn management plan. The request for appeal will be placed
on the agenda of a regular or special meeting of the Board of Trustees.
The Township Board of Trustees, by a majority vote of those voting,
shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence whether the facts
warrant the reversal of the denial of the natural lawn permit. The
decision rendered by the Township Board of Trustees shall be final
and binding.
When, in the opinion of the Ordinance Enforcement Officer or
his designee, the presence of a natural lawn may constitute a fire
or safety hazard due to weather and/or other conditions, the Code
Enforcement Officer shall consult with the Director of the Department
of Public Safety or his designee and may order the cutting of natural
lawns to a safe condition. As a condition of receiving approval of
the natural lawn permit, the property owner shall be required to cut
the natural lawn within three days of receiving written direction
from the Ordinance Enforcement Officer.
Natural lawns shall not be removed through the process of burning
unless stated and approved as one of the management and maintenance
techniques in the lawn management plan. The Director of the Department
of Public Safety or his designee shall review all requests to burn
natural lawns and shall determine if circumstances are correct and
all applicable requirements have been fulfilled to insure public safety.
Burning of natural lawns shall be strictly prohibited unless a written
permit to burn is issued by the Director of the Department of Public
Safety or his designee.