Township of Bernards, NJ SECTION 21-43 Landscaping and Shade Trees

§ 21-43.1 Landscaping.

[Ord. #585, § 614A]

The entire development shall be landscaped in accordance with an approved landscaping plan prepared pursuant to Article VII of this chapter. Landscaping shall include items having an effect on project safety, habitability and appearance such as:

a. Grading and water features.

b. Plantings and grassed areas.

c. Surfacing and finishes.

d. Walls and fences.

e. Area lighting.

f. Signs and street and site furniture.

g. Preservation of natural features.

The project shall be landscaped so as to best adapt the site to the intended use, to control the project's environmental impact and to enhance the appearance of the project, both on-site and from the surrounding area.

§ 21-43.2 Standards.

[Ord. #585, § 614B]

Plantings shall be in accordance with the following standards:

a. Plant Material. American Association of Nurserymen's American Standard for Nursery Stock, current edition.

b. Grassing. New Jersey State Soil Conservation Committee's Standards for Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control in New Jersey, current edition.

§ 21-43.3 Shade Trees.

[Ord. #585, § 614C; Ord. #1103, § 41; Ord. #1357, 6-29-1999, amended; Ord. #1429, 5-29-2001, amended]

Each development plan shall provide for shade trees having a maximum spacing of 50 feet along each side of all streets, public or private, existing or new. In determining the need for new shade trees, the location of existing shade trees shall be considered. If existing shade trees will remain, the Tree Protection Committee and/or the Chief Engineering Inspector shall determine if new shade trees will be required. Additionally, shade trees shall be provided within parking areas and shall be planted at a minimum ratio of one shade tree for every 10 parking spaces. Shade trees shall be a minimum caliper of three to four inches measured six inches above grade. The Board may consult with the Shade Tree Commission concerning the adequacy and appropriateness of the proposed shade trees.

§ 21-43.4 Buffer Areas.

[Ord. #585, § 614D]

Landscaping of required buffers and screening shall take into account the opportunities presented by existing site features. Screening, where required, shall be achieved by fencing, earth forms and plantings applied singly or in combination, as necessary. Landscaping used for buffering purposes shall be compatible in scale and character with the surrounding prevailing landscape and project features and shall be designed as part of the overall landscaping plan.

§ 21-43.5 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control.

[Ord. #585, § 614E]

The plan shall be compatible with the erosion and sedimentation control plan as required in Section 21-27.