[Ord. No. 2016-34]
The shade tree commission shall have the following general powers
and duties:
(a) Policy making responsibility in the regulation, planting, care and
control of trees and shrubs upon and in the streets, highways, public
places, public right-of-ways and parks of the municipality. The shade
tree commission shall have responsibility for the regulation, planting,
care and control of trees and shrubs upon and in State and County
highways and County parks only to the extent authorized or required
by law;
(b) Responsibility to consult and advise with the enforcement officer
in all matters within its purview;
(c) All authority conferred by N.J.S.A. 40:64-1 et seq., to the extent
applicable;
(d) Authority to review tree surveys, removal plans and planting plans
submitted with land development applications referred to it by the
planning board or zoning board. After its review the commission may
prepare a report of its findings and recommendations to be sent to
the board of jurisdiction at least 14 days prior to that board's scheduled
hearing of the development application;
(e) Authority to prepare criteria, standards, guidelines, and recommendations,
including recommendations as to specific appropriations, for the use
of funds collected in the Princeton Shade Tree Trust Reserve. The
use of said funds shall be subject to the prior review and recommendation
of the shade tree commission;
(f) Authority to develop a list of sites throughout Princeton that require
the replacement of trees or the addition of new trees, and regularly
update the list to reflect the replacement or removal of trees;
(g) Authority to develop and maintain a recommended tree species list;
(h) Authority to develop and maintain an inventory of trees and shrubs
upon and in the streets, highways, public places, public right-of-ways
and parks of the municipality;
(i) Responsibility to develop and recommend tree removal standards for
trees located on private property;
(j) Responsibility to make, keep, and preserve minutes and records of
its meetings and activities, and to make annual reports to the mayor
and council. Copies of all minutes and records of its meetings and
activities shall be filed with the clerk;
(k) Responsibility to decide appeals and recommend informal resolution
of complaints, as set forth in sections 22-15 and 22-16, respectively,
below; and
(l) Such additional functions as required by this chapter or within the
law as may be delegated to it.
[Ord. No. 2016-34]
No person shall prevent, delay or interfere with any lawful
work undertaken by the shade tree commission or its authorized agent.