Prior ordinance history includes Ord. No. 2009-758, Ord. No. 2010-763 and Ord. No. 2010-773
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
The Governing Body of the Township of Green Brook finds and concludes that trees are a significant, historical, aesthetic and valuable ecological resource. Because of this, trees on public and private property are to be protected and preserved. Preserving and protecting the Township's trees will counteract air pollution, minimize soil erosion and other related environmental damage, enhance the aesthetic environment of the Township and preserve property values. This chapter is intended to maintain and enhance the general health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Township by preserving and protecting one of the Township's most valuable assets, its trees. This chapter provides that no trees shall be removed, cut down, or otherwise destroyed, unless a tree removal permit has been issued by the Township. Tree trimming and pruning are exempted from the permitting requirements unless the tree would be destroyed by the trimming or pruning. No cutting, trimming or pruning is permitted in the Mountain Preservation Zone except as provided in the Zoning Ordinance Article I, 610 Mountain Preservation District.
b. 
The Governing Body of the Township finds and concludes that tree removal in the Township has a significant impact on the Township because of the topography of the land.
c. 
The Governing Body of the Township finds and concludes that the landform of the Township is unique. Because the Township has a considerable amount of land that is sloped, significant tree removal leads to water runoff and drainage problems, erosion of the land, and sedimentation of the streams. The planting of replacement trees is sought on the same property from which removed. When replacement is not practical on the very same site from which removed, the Governing Body of the Township finds that as an alternative, the planting of replacement trees in critical areas on public property will be a contributing factor in the prevention of soil erosion. This replacement will benefit the Township by reducing soil erosion and sedimentation of the streams because there is a direct correlation between tree removal on one property in the Township and tree replacement on a different more critical area on another property.
d. 
The Governing Body of the Township finds and concludes that the indiscriminate, uncontrolled and excessive destruction and cutting of trees upon lots and tracts of land within the Township will result in increased municipal costs to control surface drainage, contribute to flooding, cause increased soil erosion, sedimentation, and decreased fertility of soil, all of which conditions are, and will in the future, be a deterrent to the public safety, health and welfare of the citizens of the Township.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
APPLICANT
Shall mean the owner or developer of land within the Township of Green Brook desiring to remove trees, including the duly authorized agent of the owner or developer.
DEVELOPER
Shall mean the legal or beneficial owner of land within the Township of Green Brook to be included in a proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase, or other person having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
DRIPLINE
Shall mean a line connecting the tips of the outermost branches of a tree projected vertically to the ground.
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Shall mean any species of tree threatened with extinction; including, but not limited to, species of trees so noted in State of New Jersey and/or national registers.
HERITAGE TREE
Shall mean any tree noted on the Township of Green Brook Heritage Tree Register.
HISTORIC TREE
Shall mean any tree representing or approaching in girth the largest of its species in the State of New Jersey; or dedicated to or commemorating an individual or event.
PREFERRED TREE LIST
Shall mean the Green Brook Environmental Commission list of trees recommended by tree specialists as best adapted to the climate, soil and topography of the Township of Green Brook and adopted by resolution of the Governing Body. This list shall be kept on file in the Township offices.
PROTECTIVE BARRIER
Shall mean the barrier constructed to protect the root system or trunk of a tree from damage during construction from equipment, soil or material deposits. Such a barrier may consist of a snow fence, sawhorses, or other such similar structures approved by the Township Engineer and sufficient to protect the root system and/or trunk of a tree from damage.
REPLACEMENT TREE
Shall mean a nursery grown certified tree, properly balled, marked with a durable label indicating genus, species and variety and satisfying the standards established for nursery stock and installation thereof, as set forth by the American Association of Nurserymen.
SPECIMEN TREE
Shall mean a tree which by nature, condition, size, location, and/or appearance imparts particular value to a property or landscape.
STUMP
Shall mean the part a tree trunk left protruding from the ground after the tree has been felled and measuring a height of less than 4 1/2 feet from the ground.
TREE
Shall mean any deciduous or coniferous species having a diameter of or greater than four inches measured at a point 4 1/2 feet above the ground; or any Ornamental tree (see preferred tree list) having a diameter of or greater than two inches measured at a point 4 1/2 feet above the ground.
TREE BANK FUND
Shall mean an account funded by an applicant in situations where the number of replacement trees mandated is in excess of practical planting parameters within the affected site.
TREE REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT PLAN
Shall mean a plan, prepared by the New Jersey Bureau of Forestry Management, a forestry consultant who is a graduate of a forestry school accredited by the Society of American Foresters, a landscape architect or similarly qualified person, identifying all tree(s) to be removed and/or replaced. A simplified tree removal/replacement plan prepared by the applicant is permitted for an existing residence at the discretion of the Township Engineer.
TREE REPLACEMENT
Shall mean the replacement tree must be a minimum of 2 1/2 inches in diameter, if replacing a tree of 18 inches diameter or less, or a minimum of four inches in diameter, if replacing a tree with a diameter greater than 18 inches, measured 4 1/2 feet from the ground. Replacement trees shall be selected from the preferred tree list. Other planned plantings require no specifications other than good forestry, with an appropriate selection of deciduous and evergreen.
TREE WELL
Shall mean where fill is required around trees, the tree must be protected by an air well around the trunk, 12 feet in diameter pursuant to formula provided by the New Jersey School of Nurserymen which will prevent the intrusion of soil. The top of the tree well must extend six inches above the graded level.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
Unless exempt pursuant to Section 24-4, no person shall cut, remove, top, injure, or damage any tree upon any lands within the Township of Green Brook without having first obtained a tree removal permit in accordance with this chapter.
a. 
The permit shall be prominently displayed on the front of the property to allow viewing by the enforcement officer.
b. 
The permit shall be valid for a period of one year.
c. 
A copy of the permit shall be delivered to the contractor before cutting.
d. 
A copy of the permit shall be provided to the Green Brook Police Department.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
The following shall be exempt from the tree removal permit and replacement requirements of this chapter.
a. 
Any tree actively used as part of a commercial nursery, garden, orchard, or tree farm.
b. 
Trees directed to be removed by the Township of Green Brook, County of Somerset or State of New Jersey, with official notification kept by the Township Engineer.
c. 
The pruning or removal of trees within utility rights-of-way by governmental organizations or utility companies for maintenance of utility wires or pipelines.
d. 
The pruning of trees within sight easements.
e. 
Trees that have fallen due to storm or other natural damage.
f. 
Maintenance pruning or trimming.
g. 
Three trees in 36 months may be removed from a residential property without replacement after receiving a permit.
h. 
Trees whose trunk at 4 1/2 feet is within 15 feet of the primary structure on a single family residential lot.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
Any person desiring to remove trees, which are a hazard to structures or human life shall apply to the Township Engineer for a hazardous tree removal permit. That person shall provide a certification from a Certified Tree Expert that the trees to be removed are hazardous and provide colored photographs of the trees. The Township Engineer shall issue a tree removal permit based upon that certification. No fee shall be charged for the issuance of a tree removal permit under Section 24-5. The Township Engineer has the right to independently verify the statements made in the certification. Note: The Green Brook Township Environmental Commission may be available to consult the homeowner or resident in the determination of a hazardous tree.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
Unless exempt pursuant to Section 24-4, any person desiring to cut or remove any tree(s), as defined in Section 24-2, shall apply to the Township Engineer for a permit to remove such tree(s). The applicant shall complete an application, submit a tree removal/replacement plan, if required by Section 24-6b, with the trees to be removed visually identified in the field.
Except for applications requiring an application to the Planning Board or Zoning Board for Subdivision and Site Plan, a tree removal permit shall be issued by the Township Engineer on his/her sole authority. At his/her discretion, the Township Engineer may instead elect to refer any application for a tree removal permit to the Environmental Commission for consideration at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Upon referral by the Township Engineer of an application for a tree removal permit, the applicant shall present his or her application, including the Tree Removal/Replacement Plan with complete information required, for consideration by the Environmental Commission. The Environmental Commission shall have seven calendar days after hearing the request at its regularly scheduled meeting to provide a report on that application.
a. 
Application Information.
1. 
Provide the name, address, and telephone number of the applicant who shall be the owner or duly authorized agent of the owner, where applicable.
2. 
Identify the premises by street, block and lot number.
3. 
Provide the name, address and telephone number of the contractor to perform the work if known at the time of application.
4. 
The applicant shall give the Township Engineer notice prior to cutting and identify the contractor performing the work.
5. 
The application shall be signed and dated by the applicant.
b. 
Tree Removal/Replacement Plan: General Regulations.
Plans for the removal/replacement of trees shall be required in the following instances:
1. 
Every subdivision or site plan application, the Environmental Commission shall review the tree removal/replacement plan submitted as part of the subdivision or site plan application. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, all conditions imposed by the Land Use Board approval regarding land-clearing operations, tree removal and tree replacement shall be met.
2. 
Every application for new single-family residential construction, including an application to build, rebuild or replace a single-family residence, which has been demolished.
3. 
Every existing lot on the Tax Map of the Township of Green Brook where live trees are to be removed.
4. 
Every application for the removal of trees from any steep slope area in excess of 20% grade.
5. 
The Township Engineer may accept a simplified version of the tree removal/replacement plan when less than five live trees are proposed to be removed and/or the removal is on the property of an existing residence. The following information is required:
(a) 
A copy of the property survey or other acceptable drawing.
(b) 
Item #'s - 1, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 on the CHECKLIST in Section 24-6c.
6. 
In the event it is not possible to replace the required number of trees within the existing lot, as determined by Township Officials, an off-site contribution to the Green Brook Tree Bank of an equal number of trees or cash equivalent of $300 per tree should be placed in the Tree Bank Fund.
7. 
Replacement trees shall not be removed. If a replacement tree shall die due to natural causes or lack of maintenance within two years of planting, it shall be replaced a second time with a tree of like kind and size and the two year period will begin again.
c. 
Tree Removal/Replacement Plan, Information Required.
A Trees Removal/Replacement Plan prepared in accordance with the Tree Removal/Replacement Plan Checklist shall be submitted as part of the application.
TREE REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT PLAN CHECKLIST
1._____ Utilize property survey at a scale of not less than one inch equals 30 feet.
2._____ Identify the area of the lot.
3._____ Identify all slopes greater than 20% where any tree removal is proposed.
4._____ Locate streams and wetlands in area where tree removal is to occur.
5._____ Identify the primary residence construction envelope for all new single-family residential construction.
6._____ Identify the location(s) of all principal and accessory building(s), septic systems, wells, roads and driveways, parking lots, and other structures or impervious surface areas.
7._____ Identify the proposed final grading (if applicable).
8._____ Identify the limit of land disturbance.
9._____ Individually locate all existing trees in the area where development is proposed (i.e., within the delineated limit of disturbance).
10._____ Identify the location(s), species, and sizes of all existing tree(s) and clearly identify the quantity to be cut, removed, or destroyed. (Wooded areas where no tree removal is requested may be delineated as "woods" and individual trees need not be located).
11._____ Specify tree replacement proposed including location, species, quantity, size and details of planting (total replacement count shall equal the number of trees removed).
12._____ Identify name and address of owner on the plan.
13._____ Identify street location and block and lot in the title block.
14._____ Trees to be removed visually identified in the field with ribbon, no spray painting allowed.
15._____ Provide an approval block near the title block as follows:
Approved by:
__________ __________
(Township Engineer) (Date)
d. 
Identification of Trees to Be Removed.
1. 
For single-family residential construction, the limits of disturbance must be marked on site by string line, caution tape or other readily discernible method at the time the application is made.
2. 
For all other tree(s) removal applications, the tree to be removed must be marked on site with red or orange plastic tape at the time the application is made. Paint spraying or other permanent marking, damaging, or defacing of trees is prohibited.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
In the event the application states the identified trees do not include historic, Heritage, endangered species, or specimen trees, then, the Township Engineer shall follow the design criteria as defined in Section 24-8, after having inspected the site, and may issue a permit for the removal of said tree(s).
b. 
In the event the application states that the trees include historic, endangered species or specimen trees then, and in that event, the Township Engineer may instead elect to refer any application for a tree removal permit to the Environmental Commission for consideration at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Upon referral by the Township Engineer of an application for a tree removal permit, the applicant shall present his or her application, including the Tree Removal/Replacement Plan with complete information required, for consideration by the Environmental Commission. The Township Engineer may issue the tree removal permit after considering comments from the Environmental Commission. The Environmental Commission shall inspect the site to determine whether the plan for the removal of the trees meets the design criteria for approval as set forth under Section 24-8.
c. 
The Construction Code Official shall not issue a building permit until a tree removal permit has been issued and approved in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
d. 
The Construction Code Official shall not issue a Certificate of Occupancy until there has been compliance with this chapter. If tree replacement has not been completed because of weather conditions, cash or other security may be submitted at $300 per tree to ensure compliance.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
Tree Replacement (For Applications Not Requiring Land Use Board Approval):
1. 
All live trees removed shall be replaced on a one to one ratio.
2. 
Replacement shall be completed within one year of the date of the tree removal permit or prior to a Certificate of Occupancy (if weather permits).
3. 
Tree replacement shall utilize 80% of the deciduous species identified on the "Environmental Commission Tree List for Commercial/Residential/South/North of Route 22 and Wildlife Areas" attached as an Appendix to this Chapter.
4. 
No fewer than three species of tree shall be included in any one acre of land. Identical species should not be contiguous.
5. 
No more than 50% of each hardwood species shall be less than 3 1/2 inches caliper and no hardwood tree shall be less than 2 1/2 inches in caliper. No evergreen tree shall be less than six feet in height in pruned nursery stock, or eight feet unpruned stock.
6. 
No tree shall be planted closer than 10 feet to a lot line, structure, or contiguous tree. Equal distances and straight lines shall be avoided.
7. 
In lieu of planting replacement trees, the applicant may be permitted to make a monetary contribution to a "tree bank" fund established by the Township Committee. The amount of the contribution shall be $300 for each replacement tree. The amount of the contribution shall be adjusted annually by resolution of the Township Committee. 15% of the funds collected pursuant to the terms of the Chapter shall be maintained by the municipality in a separate sub-account for the maintenance and care of all existing trees on municipally owned lands. 85% of the funds so collected will be placed in a separate municipal sub-account and used for the replacement of trees that may be removed as the result of land development. All of the funds shall be administered by the Director of Public Works for use as the Director shall see fit. An annual report shall be submitted to the Township Committee and shall be used in part to make a determination regarding the amount of contribution for each succeeding calendar year.
b. 
Tree Replacement (Development Applications requiring Land Use Board approval):
1. 
The square footage of all land to be non-wooded following development and the replacement of trees shall be computed by using the total area of land disturbance and reducing it by 1,600 square feet for each isolated tree to remain. For each 1,600 square feet of non-wooded area calculated, one tree shall be planted on the subject property according to the following requirements:
2. 
Tree replacement shall utilize 80% of the deciduous species identified on the "Environmental Commission Tree List for Commercial/Residential/South/North of Route 22 and Wildlife Areas" attached as an Appendix to this Chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Tree List Appendix on file at the Township Offices.
3. 
No fewer than three species of tree shall be included in any one acre of land. Identical species should not be contiguous.
4. 
No more than 50% of each hardwood species shall be less than 3 1/2 inches caliper and no hardwood tree shall be less than 2 1/2 inches in caliper. No evergreen tree shall be less than six feet in height in pruned nursery stock, or eight feet unpruned stock.
5. 
No tree shall be planted closer than 10 feet to a lot line, structure, or contiguous tree. Equal distances and straight lines shall be avoided.
6. 
Tree specimens shall be of nursery quality stock with straight trunks, balled, burlapped, well branched and with healthy roots. Backfill upon plantings shall consist of 50% humus for each tree.
7. 
All trees are to be thoroughly watered at the time of planting and at adequate frequent intervals thereafter.
8. 
Each hardwood tree will be staked approximately five feet from the ground with two stakes. Trees will be wired to both stakes with the wire passing through a rubber hose section where attached to the tree.
9. 
On off-street parking areas, other than single-family residences, trees must be planted in the parking area within curbed islands situated at the ends of parking rows, or in a planned manner acceptable to the Planning Board.
10. 
Notwithstanding the tree removal prohibitions contained in Section 24-12, only those trees necessary to permit the construction of new buildings, accessory structures, streets, driveways, utility infrastructure and other authorized improvements shall be removed. Existing vegetation shall be preserved to the greatest extent feasible.
11. 
Trees in the area between the property line and the setback lines shall be preserved where feasible.
12. 
No more than 60% of the existing trees within the property boundaries shall be removed. The remaining tree canopy area shall be designated for preservation.
13. 
The Environmental Commission may make recommendations to the Township Engineer who shall have the authority to require the protection of any tree or tree canopy areas designated to be preserved on the site by requiring the erection of protective barriers.
14. 
No clear-cutting of easements. No tree removal for utility placement (i.e. sewer) until line is laid out and then tree removal +/- five feet on either side notwithstanding that the easement may be 30 feet in width.
15. 
Tree removal from any slope in excess of 20% is prohibited if it will contribute, as determined by the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, or Township Engineer, to the increased runoff of surface water onto adjoining property, increased soil erosion or the deposition of silt, increased dust and/or the decrease of soil fertility unless other means of mitigation, approved by the Township Engineer, are provided to prevent runoff and erosion.
16. 
If a tree designated to be preserved on a site plan eventually dies because of root disturbance or a change in drainage, or if the owner prefers to remove the tree, it shall be removed and replaced with another tree from the preferred tree list in the same or another area after all on-site fill and regrading has stabilized. A $2,000 cash bond for a period of two years shall be provided for tree replacement.
17. 
All residential, commercial and industrial development shall consider the use of treeless areas, if possible, for building sites. If it is necessary to develop wooded areas or to remove trees for proposed building sites, the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and/or the Township Engineer shall require tree planting in treeless areas as described in Section 24-8.
18. 
Tree replacement used in a required planting or to replace a damaged tree must be a minimum of 2 1/2 inches in diameter, if replacing a tree of 18 inches diameter or less, or a minimum of four inches in diameter, if replacing a tree with a diameter greater than 18 inches, measured 4 1/2 feet from the ground. Trees shall be selected from the preferred tree list with an appropriate selection of deciduous and evergreens.
19. 
An applicant shall make a contribution to the Tree Bank Fund of $300 per tree if it can be shown that the current property cannot support the planting of additional trees, so that these trees would flourish and grow. The Township Engineer may request that the applicant hire a landscape architect to certify that the property cannot support the planting of the required trees and show that the critical areas on the property have been planted with new trees to reduce the effects of soil erosion on steep slopes, streams and drainage areas.
20. 
The cash equivalent of $300 per tree should be placed in the Tree Bank Fund to be used for the purchase of future tree plantings within the Township as determined by Township Officials in consultation with the Environmental Commission and the Department of Public Works. The future tree plantings may be located in areas such as steep slopes, stream areas, buffer areas and other areas to improve drainage and reduce soil erosion.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
Tree protection measures and the limit-of disturbance line shown on the Tree Removal/Replacement Plan shall be provided in the field with snow fencing or other durable material and verified by the Township Engineer or other designated official prior to soil disturbance.
b. 
Protective barriers shall not be supported by the plants they are protecting, but shall be self-supporting. Barriers shall be a minimum of four feet high and last until construction is complete.
c. 
Chain link fence may be required for tree protection if warranted by site conditions and relative rarity of the plant.
d. 
Snow fencing used for tree protection shall be firmly secured along the dripline, but not less than six feet from the trunk.
e. 
The grade of the land located within the dripline shall not be raised or lowered more than six inches unless compensated by welling or retaining wall methods; and in no event shall welling or retaining wall methods be located less than six feet from the trunk of a tree.
f. 
No soil stockpiling, storage of building materials, construction equipment or vehicles shall be permitted within the dripline or within six feet of any protected trees, whichever is greater.
g. 
Any clearing within the dripline, or within six feet of the trunk of a remaining tree, whichever is greater, shall be done by hand-operated equipment.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
At the time of filing of an application, the applicant shall pay a fee of $25 for the permit, inspection and application review.
b. 
Where the application involves a subdivision or site plan application, the applicant shall post a cash bond in the amount of $300 per tree removed, with a minimum amount of $1,000 per lot in the form acceptable to the Township of Green Brook to guarantee compliance with the approved Tree Removal/Replacement Plan. A final tree survey may be required by the Township Engineer in order to determine if compliance has been met. The survey, at the discretion of the Township Engineer, may be required to be made by a licensed State of New Jersey land surveyor.
c. 
Where the application involves a subdivision or site plan application and a tree has been replaced with another tree, the cash bond referred to hereinbefore shall not be released to the applicant for a period of two years, and only after the Township Engineer has inspected the new tree and approved the release.
d. 
Where the application involves a subdivision or site plan application, the applicant shall reimburse the Township for all direct or indirect costs in connection with the review of the application from the development escrow account.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
Tree removal is prohibited as follows:
a. 
Tree removal is not permitted when it will expose vacant land, billboards, utility substations, transmission towers, quarries, or other commercial structures or operations, except where trees are dead or diseased and/or endanger life or property or other exemptions as provided in Section 24-4.
b. 
A tree classified as a historic, Heritage, endangered species or specimen tree shall not be removed without a Special Exception as defined in Section 24-15.
c. 
Trees in public rights-of-way, parks, or public areas may not be removed without complying with this chapter.
d. 
Trees in slopes of 20% or greater.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
The Township Zoning Officer, Township Engineer or designee shall be the enforcing officers under this chapter.
b. 
The Township Zoning Officer, Township Engineer, or designee may order any tree removal or other activity, which is carried on in violation of any tree removal permit or any provision of this chapter to be stopped forthwith. The order shall be issued in writing and a copy served upon the owner of the lot and the person engaged in tree work upon the subject lot. Thereafter, except for such work as is necessary to remedy the violation, any further work shall comply with the terms and conditions of any permit issued and the provisions of this chapter.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
a. 
Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be punishable by one or more of the following: a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 90 days or to a period of community service not exceeding 90 days at the discretion of the Municipal Court. Each tree removed without a permit shall constitute a separate violation.
b. 
In addition to these fines and penalties, any person found guilty of violating this chapter shall be required to replace each tree removed without the required tree removal permit with another tree of the same species or from the preferred tree list at a size of at least 2 1/2 inches in diameter measured at a point 4 1/2 feet above ground. If the trees removed without a permit were greater than 18 inches in diameter measured at a point 4 1/2 feet above ground or the stump, then the replacement tree shall be at least four inches in diameter.
c. 
Any person who is convicted of violating this chapter within one year of the date of a previous violation of this chapter and who was fined for the previous violation, shall be sentenced by the Municipal Court to an additional fine as a repeat offender. The additional fine imposed by the Municipal Court upon a person for a repeated offense shall not be less than the minimum or exceed the maximum fine fixed for a violation of this chapter, but shall be calculated separately from the fine imposed for the violation of this chapter.
d. 
Except as otherwise provided, each and every day in which a violation of this chapter exists shall constitute a separate violation.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
Should it be necessary to grant relief from the prohibitions or limitations of this chapter to permit tree removal that would otherwise be prohibited by this chapter, such relief may be granted upon application to the Land Use Board and satisfaction of the burden of proof required by the Land Use Board, but only to the minimum extent needed and only if such relief provides for mitigation measures necessitated by the removal of trees. Examples of mitigation measures include, but are not limited to, additional tree replacement and/or the dedication of a conservation easements to protect wooded areas.
[Ord. No. 2014-814]
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase or word contained in this chapter shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this chapter, which shall remain in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be several.
[Ord. No. 2014-814, adopted 12-15-2014]
This chapter shall take effect immediately upon final adoption and publication, all in accordance with law.