[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of
Abington as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 4-8-2004 by Ord. No. 1909]
Any use, by a contractor or public utility, of Township property for
the purpose of staging is prohibited, subject to the following.
For the purpose of this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Include all rights-of-way or easements held by the Township, and
all rights-of-way or easements held by a public utility.
Staging areas for construction operations are prohibited on Township-owned
parks and/or open space land; however, the Township may permit such use by
permit from the Township Engineer, in Township-owned parks and/or open space
land. Notification will be given by the Township Engineer to the Manager,
respective Commissioner(s) and the Environmental Council.
Any contractor or public utility desiring to utilize Township property
as a staging area shall, prior to the commencement of use of the Township
property, submit a site plan to the Township Engineering Department showing:
A.
The extent of the proposed operation;
B.
The location and extent of the proposed staging operation
including any storage of vehicles, equipment and/or materials, as well as
any proposed earth work; and
C.
The trunk location and drip line (outer edge of the branches)
of all existing trees (or woodland boundary) within 25 feet of any proposed
activity.
A.
No grade changes, excavations, encroachments or earthmoving
activity shall be made within any drip line, and in no event closer than 15
feet to any tree trunk, regardless of the location of the drip line.
B.
No vehicle, equipment or material may be stored, regardless
of duration, within any drip line, and in no event closer than 15 feet to
any tree trunk, regardless of the location of the drip line.
Prior to commencing any activity on any property owned by the Township,
the contractor or public utility, as the case may be, shall fence the drip
lines of all trees and wooded areas as directed by the Township Engineer,
individual trees and shrubs as designated by the Township Engineer, and any
other area designated by the Township Engineer. For the purposes of this article,
the term "fence" shall mean acceptable, undamaged, standard picket snow fence
or other acceptable, highly visible, weather-resistant, easily maintained
fencing that provides a substantial bather. The acceptability of such fencing
shall be determined solely by the Township Engineer. The placement of fencing
shall be such that no damage is caused to the root structure of any tree.
Before construction begins, the contractor shall, as directed by the
Township Engineer, fertilize the affected trees. Soil analysis testing shall
be completed as directed by the Township Engineer to assure fertilization
with the appropriate fertilizer products. Pruning of the tree canopies and
branches shall be performed as directed by the Township Engineer to remove
any dead or broken branches, and to provide the necessary clearances for construction
equipment.
Any damaged or destroyed tree or shrub shall be replaced on a two-for-one
basis when directed by the Township Engineer. Replacement shall be in accordance
with Section 85, "Planting and Transplanting Trees," of the Township Specifications.
All unpaved areas shall be seeded when directed by the Township Engineer
in accordance with Section 33, "Topsoil, Seeding and Mulching," of the Township
Specifications.
Any contractor or public utility using Township property pursuant to
this article shall pay to the Township a nonrefundable user fee of $500 at
the time of submission of the site plan.
In order to ensure compliance with the article, and to ensure that the
Township is compensated for any damage caused by a contractor or public utility,
all contractors and/or public utilities desiring to use Township property
for staging purposes shall, prior to the commencement of any work, provide
the Township with a bond in the amount of $25,000, or in such other form acceptable
to the Township Engineer. In no event shall the amount of the financial security
be construed as a limitation on the extent of the contractor's or public
utility's liability for any damage caused. All contractors and/or public
utilities doing work within the Township shall be liable and accountable,
as provided for by law, for any damage done to any Township property.
