[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Mantua 5-9-1989; amended in its entirety 3-1-1993 (Ch. 140 of the 1978 Code). Subsequent
amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known as the "Mantua Township
Tree Protection Ordinance."
The purpose of this chapter is to establish
protective regulations for trees within the Township of Mantua in
order to control problems of flooding, soil erosion, air and noise
pollution; to protect the safety, welfare and health of the citizenry
of the Township; to promote quality development in the Township; and
to make Mantua Township a healthier and safer place in which to live.
The intent of this chapter is to encourage the
protection of every landmark tree within the Township and, to the
greatest extent practicable, of each specimen tree, regardless of
location, and the maximum number of healthy trees within a tree protection
zone or within a critical area. The intent is not punitive nor intended
to cause hardship to any individual, private or public company who
or which has taken reasonable care and diligence to protect the trees
within the Township of Mantua.
As used herein, the following terms shall have
the meanings indicated:
The removal, to the minimum extent possible, of the smallest
and poorest trees so as to permit land development while retaining
the maximum number of larger and healthier trees.
The removal of all standing trees on a lot or portion of
a lot.
Areas which are located within 300 feet of both edges of
a stream; areas within the one-hundred-year floodplain as defined
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and areas defined
as wetlands and their respective transition buffers by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection. The Township's environmental
mappings may be used to generally locate such critical areas.
The branches and foliage of a tree; the upper portion of
a tree.
That portion of a lot covered by existing or proposed buildings,
structures or improvements and within a certain distance around the
same as noted below:
The perimeter line on the ground measured from the outermost
edge of the vertical plane established by the branches of the tree.
A person who has a B.S. degree from a four-year school of
forestry accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Any tree with a diameter of 30 inches or greater.
A person certified as a landscape architect by the State
of New Jersey.
An individual who has been gainfully employed for a period
of at least five years in a position involving the care and planting
of trees.
A monetary fund established for the purpose of receiving
cash contributions in lieu of tree replacement. This fund shall be
separately maintained by the Township for the purpose of reestablishing
and maintaining tree cover through the Township or for other purposes,
as determined by the Township Committee, not inconsistent with the
purposes of this chapter.
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
Any tree with a diameter less than 16 inches but at least
six inches.
Any permit in writing as issued by a Township official.
Any individual, person, association, company, corporation
or similar group.
The removal of larger trees on an individual basis while
leaving trees of a lesser size.
Any tree with a diameter of at least 16 inches but less than
30 inches.
The removal of undesirable, competitive, diseased or damaged
trees so as to cultivate and improve the development of remaining
trees on the lot.
The Township of Mantua or any designated representative.
Any woody perennial plant usually having but one main stem
or trunk and a more or less definitely formed crown, and which has
the potential based on its genus and species to grow to a height of
10 feet or more.
That portion of a lot outside of the disturbance zone.
The cutting down of a tree, the transplanting of a tree to
a site other than that under development or the infliction of damage
to a tree which is of such severity as to show evidence within a period
of two years of irreparable harm leading to the ultimate death of
a tree. Examples of said serious damage include, but are not limited
to, damage inflicted to the root system by machinery, storage of materials,
and soil compaction; changing the natural grade above or below the
root system and around the trunk; damage inflicted on the tree permitting
fungus infection or pest infestation; excessive pruning; excessive
thinning; paving with concrete, asphalt or other impervious material
within such proximity as to be harmful to the tree.
The area under a tree extending from the trunk to the dripline.
A.
With the exceptions as set forth in this chapter,
no person shall cut or remove, or cause to be cut or removed, any
tree with a diameter of six inches or greater upon any lands in the
Township unless the cutting or removal is accomplished in accordance
with the provisions of this chapter. In no case shall a landmark tree
be cut or removed, or caused to be cut or removed, from any location
within the Township.
B.
Tree removal permit; tree protection management plan.
(1)
A tree removal permit application must be submitted
if there are five or more total nonspecimen trees, or one or more
total nonspecimen trees within a critical area, or one or more total
specimen trees, cut or removed or proposed to be cut or removed.
(2)
At the time of a preliminary major subdivision or site plan application submitted pursuant to Chapter 230, if there are five or more total nonspecimen trees, or one or more total nonspecimen trees within a critical area, or one or more total specimen trees cut or removed or to be cut or removed from a property, then a tree protection management plan must be submitted.
C.
The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable
to all property owners in the Township or their designees, with the
following exceptions:
(1)
Individual lot owners removing fewer than five total
nonspecimen trees outside of critical areas.
(2)
Lot owners with an existing residential dwelling or
proposed residential dwelling on an individual lot three acres or
less in area, unless trees with a caliper of six inches or greater
are proposed to be removed within a critical area as defined by this
chapter.
(3)
Any cultivated tree growing on property actually being
used as a nursery, orchard or Christmas tree farm.
(4)
Any tree cut or removed for agricultural use of lands
when operated in accordance with a farm conservation plan approved
by the local Soil Conservation Service District, provided that a copy
of such plan is filed with the Environmental Commission of Mantua.
(5)
Any tree which, in the opinion of the Township, constitutes
an immediate threat to the health or safety of the general public.
(6)
Any tree that is dead or diseased.
(7)
Pruning and removal of trees by utility companies
to provide for line clearance of utility wires.
D.
The standards contained herein shall be considered
the minimum standards to be met and maintained. Standards established
by other Township ordinances or by state and federal rules and regulations
shall apply where those standards are more restrictive than the standards
set forth herein.
E.
Plans for the harvesting of timber and or silviculture
shall be in accordance with the standards and recommendations of the
New Jersey State Bureau of Forestry. A copy of such plan must be filed
with the Environmental Commission of Mantua at least 15 days prior
to the harvesting of timber and/or silviculture.
An application for a tree removal permit requires
the submission of a plot plan or sketch indicating:
A.
The applicant's name, street address and telephone
number.
B.
The lot owner's name, street address and telephone
number.
C.
The lot owner's consent to the application.
D.
The block and lot number.
E.
The location of all existing or proposed buildings,
driveways, septic fields, easements, underground utility lines and
other improvements.
F.
Existing or proposed rights-of-way.
G.
The location of all proposed trees having a diameter
of six inches or greater to be cut, removed or damaged in such a way
as to cause a need for their removal, noting each tree by its species,
size and general health condition. Individual trees that occur within
critical areas as defined by this chapter may be shown as tree masses.
However, individual trees must be shown in the critical areas where
the proposed disturbance area overlaps a critical area.
H.
The reasons for tree removal, including a description
of the type of tree removal; thinning, selective cutting, clear cutting,
aesthetic improvement cut.
I.
Specifications for the removal of existing trees and
for the protection of existing trees to be preserved.
J.
Tree removal and replacement calculations, including
specific proposals for planting replacement trees, if applicable.
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
If required by this chapter, the submission
of a tree protection management plan should indicate the following
information on a plot plan:
A.
All applications for a tree removal permit or a tree
protection management plan shall be immediately referred by the Administrative
Officer to the Environmental Commission (and Planning Board or Zoning
Board if a site plan or subdivision application is involved.)
(1)
If the application for a tree removal permit or a
tree protection management plan is not part of a site plan or subdivision
application, the Environmental Commission shall review the tree removal
permit or a tree protection management plan application. Failure on
the part of the Environmental Commission to provide a recommendation
to the Administrative Officer to either approve or deny the application
within 20 days, provided that the Environmental Commission receives
the application at least 10 days in advance of its regularly scheduled
meeting, shall be deemed a recommendation for approval of the application.
In the event that the Environmental Commission recommends to deny
an application, it shall specify, in writing, the reason(s) for its
actions. The Administrative Officer shall review and consider the
recommendations of the Environmental Commission, and the Commission's
recommendations shall be made a part of the record. The Administrative
Officer shall have the authority to approve or to deny the tree removal
permit or the tree protection management plan within 15 days of receiving
the Environmental Commission's recommendation.
(2)
If the application for a tree removal permit or a
tree protection management plan is part of a site plan or subdivision
application, the Environmental Commission shall provide a recommendation
of approval or denial of the tree removal permit or the tree protection
management plan application to the Planning Board (or Zoning Board).
Failure on the part of the Environmental Commission to provide a recommendation
within 20 days, provided that the Environmental Commission receives
the application at least 10 days in advance of its regularly scheduled
meeting, shall be deemed a recommendation for approval. In the event
that the Environmental Commission recommends denial of an application,
it shall specify, in writing, the reason(s) for its action. The Planning
Board (or Zoning Board) shall review and consider the recommendations
of the Environmental Commission, and the recommendations shall be
made a part of the record before the Board. The Planning Board (or
Zoning Board) shall have the authority to accept, modify or reject
the recommendations of the Environmental Commission in whole, or in
part, after the Board's consideration of same. The Planning Board
(or Zoning Board) shall then approve a tree removal permit or a tree
protection management plan as part of the subdivision and/or site
plan review process with any revisions, modifications, changes or
conditions as it may require. The Planning Board (or Zoning Board)
shall have the authority to waive in whole, or in part, any portion
or all of the provisions of this chapter as part of the subdivision
and/or site plan review process.
[Amended 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
B.
The Administrative Officer (or Planning Board or Zoning
Board) shall review the application for a tree removal permit or a
tree protection management plan and, if necessary, have the Township
Planner, Engineer, Professional Forester and/or some other consultant,
as may be required, review the application and inspect the site. All
reviews and inspections by the Township Planner, Engineer, Professional
Forester and/or other consultants shall be paid for by the applicant
through the deposit of escrow funds.
C.
The Administrative Officer (or Planning Board or Zoning
Board or Environmental Commission) shall consider the following factors
in reviewing an application for a tree removal permit or tree protection
management plan and in deciding whether to either recommend approval
or denial or to approve or deny a tree removal permit (or the tree
protection management plan):
(1)
Impact on the growth of remaining trees.
(2)
Impact on existing drainage patterns.
(3)
Impact on soil erosion or increased dust.
(4)
Impact on the vegetative screening between adjacent
land uses.
(5)
Impact on a tree or scenic corridor given a landmark
value.
(6)
Impact on woodland corridors, stream corridors, greenways
and wildlife habitat.
D.
There is hereby established a presumption that each
and every tree of six inches of diameter or greater located within
the tree protection zone or any specimen tree located anywhere on
the lot shall be preserved at its location on the site. Each such
tree located within the tree protection zone or each specimen tree
may be removed only if the Administrative Officer (or Planning Board/Zoning
Board) finds that the applicant has set forth below:
(1)
That it is a necessity to remove trees which pose
a safety hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic or threaten to
cause disruption of public services.
(2)
That it is a necessity to remove trees which pose
a safety hazard to a building.
(3)
That it is a necessity to remove diseased trees, trees
infested with destructive insects liable to infect healthy trees on
the subject or adjacent property or trees weakened by age, fire or
other injury.
(4)
That it is a necessity to observe good forestry practices,
i.e., the number of healthy trees that a given parcel of land will
support when documented by a report prepared on behalf of the applicant
by a professional forester or a certified landscape architect.
(5)
That it is a necessity for compliance with other codes,
such as zoning and subdivision regulations, health and other environmental
ordinances.
(6)
Other conditions which, in the judgment of the Administrative
Officer (or Planning Board/Zoning Board), warrant the removal of a
tree.
E.
No building permit shall be issued until the applicant
has obtained approval of its tree removal permit or tree protection
management plan application.
F.
No certificate of occupancy shall be issued unless
tree removal and planting has been in accordance with the approved
plan, and all trees required to be planted have been planted in accordance
with the approved plan, or a bond guarantying planting has been posted,
or the approved contribution in lieu thereof is paid in full.
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
A.
Replacement of trees.
(1)
Where the Administrative Officer or the Planning Board or Zoning Board, whichever has jurisdiction, determines that it is impossible to retain trees in the tree protection zone, or any specimen tree as defined by this chapter, due to cutting, filling or other construction activity, the applicant shall replant one inch of a new tree diameter for every four inches of existing tree diameter removed. Replacement trees should be shown on the tree removal permit application or tree management plan for review. New replacement trees should have the minimum diameter of 2 1/2 inches measured six inches above the ground. Replanting should be done according to the standards specified by the American Nurserymen's Association. Cash contributions to the Mantua Township Tree Trust Fund may be substituted in lieu of on-site tree replacement in accordance with Subsection C of this section. The Township Environmental Commission may be consulted before any replacement trees are planted.
[Amended 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
(2)
Where it has been determined by the Administrative
Officer that a landmark tree has been cut or removed, the person responsible
shall be fined no more than $1,000 and shall be required to replant
one inch of new tree diameter for every one inch of the landmark tree
diameter cut or removed. New replacement trees should have a minimum
diameter of eight inches measured six inches above the ground. Replanting
should be done according to the standards specified by the American
Nurserymen's Association.
B.
Criteria for the selection of new trees. When an applicant
is required to replace trees as described above, the applicant should
replace the trees with the same species that were removed or, with
the approval of the Administrative Officer (or the Planning Board/Zoning
Board), choose other tree species, preferably native to Mantua Township.
In selecting replacement trees, the following positive criteria should
be used. These guidelines should also be followed in choosing trees
proposed to be retained or cleared.
(1)
Species longevity;
(2)
Whether native to the area;
(3)
Hardiness (wind firmness, climate requirements, characteristics
of soil to hold tree);
(4)
Resistance to insect and disease, attack and to pollution;
(5)
Aesthetic values (autumn coloration, type of flowers
or fruit, form characteristics);
(6)
Low maintenance and care (pruning, etc.);
(7)
High wildlife values;
(8)
Comfort to surroundings;
(9)
Freedom from disease, rot or other damage to tree;
(10)
Protection of pedestrians, vehicles and buildings;
(11)
Size at maturity;
(12)
Effect of soil retention and erosion control; and
(13)
Value as a noise buffer.
C.
Cash contribution. A cash contribution to the Mantua Township Tree Trust Fund may be permitted. Upon review by the Environmental Commission, pursuant to § 387-8A(2) above, the Planning Board (or Zoning Board) shall recommend and approve or disapprove the cash contribution. If approved, it shall become a condition of approval of the applicant subject to final approval by the Township Committee. Cash contributions shall include cost per tree as determined by the Township Engineer to be the current bonding costs, as well as the cost for the delivery, installation, fertilizer, watering and two-year guarantee.
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
D.
Preference regarding tree replacement/cash contribution.
The Planning Board (or Zoning Board), and Township Committee, when
considering the replacement of trees or acceptance of cash contribution,
will consider the following as the order of preference:
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
Applicants should exercise due care to protect
trees to be retained from damage during construction. The following
procedures shall be observed in order to protect retained trees:
A.
Protection from mechanical injury.
(1)
Prior to any grubbing or clearing, all trees to be
retained within 25 feet of a building and all other improvements should
be protected from equipment damage by enclosing the driplines of the
trees with sections of snow fence or boards, wired together. All exposed
roots and low-hanging branches should be equally protected. Groups
of trees may be protected by fencing the driplines of the entire tree
mass to be retained.
(2)
Heavy equipment operators should not damage existing
tree trunks and roots. Feeder roots should not be cut closer than
the distance of the dripline from the tree trunks and should be cut
with pruning shears or other tools which will make a clean cut.
(3)
Tree trunks and exposed roots accidentally damaged
during construction should be protected from further damage. Damaged
branches should be sawed off at the branch collar. No shellac or pruning
paint should be used. When the portion of the tree to be removed is
diseased, the pruning equipment should be dipped in alcohol or disinfectant
prior to use on another tree to prevent the spread of the disease.
(4)
Deciduous trees should be given an application of
liquid slow-release, low-nitrogen, all-purpose fertilizer to aid in
their recovery from possible damage caused by construction operations.
Such application should be made at a distance of one foot from the
trunk to the dripline and should be made as soon as construction is
completed and again one year after the first application has been
made.
(5)
Trees should not be used for roping, cables, signs
or fencing. Nails and spikes should not be driven into trees.
(6)
The area around the base of existing trees should
be left open to provide access for water and nutrients. Therefore,
no impervious cover nor storage of equipment, materials, debris or
fill should be allowed within the dripline of any existing tree to
be retained.
B.
Protection from grade change.
(1)
If an increase of the grade is proposed, the applicant
should install either:
(a)
A system of gravel and drain tiles at the old
soil level opening into a dry well built around the trunk and designed
for each tree, individually fitting the contour of the land so that
it drains water away from the tree trunk; or
(b)
A retaining wall between the existing grade
and the higher grade. A detailed plan for each proposed retaining
wall should be provided.
(2)
If a decrease of the grade is proposed, the applicant
should initiate one of the following methods to protect the trees:
C.
Protection from excavation. When digging trenches
for utility lines and other similar uses, the applicant should adhere
to the following, listed in order of preference:
A.
An appeal from a decision of the Administrative Officer
should be brought before the Township Committee, which may affirm,
modify or reverse the decision.
B.
An appeal from a decision of the Planning Board or
Zoning Board should be brought before the Township Committee, which
may affirm, modify or reverse the decision.
[Amended 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007
A.
Violations. Any person, firm or corporation that shall
violate any provision of this chapter shall be subject to some portion
or all of one or more of the following: a penalty of $2,000 or imprisonment
for a term not exceeding 90 days or community service up to but no
greater than 90 days, or a combination of any of the above.
B.
Continuing violations. If the violation is continuing
in nature, each day during which it continues shall constitute an
additional, separate and distinct offense.
C.
Other remedies. No provisions of this chapter shall
be construed to impair any common law or statutory course for action
or legal remedy which may be otherwise provided in law or equity for
any violation of this chapter.
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
For the issuance of a permit, the applicant
shall pay to the Township fees based on the total number of trees
to be removed. Fees are set forth as follows:
|
Number of Trees
|
Fee
|
|---|---|
|
1-5
|
$0
|
|
6-10
|
$100
|
|
11-20
|
$250
|
|
21-50
|
$500
|
|
51-150
|
$1,500
|
|
151 and over
|
$1,500 + $250 for each additional 100 trees
or part thereof
|
[Added 2-27-2007 by Ord. No. O-02-2007]
A.
Expenditures from Mantua Township Tree Trust Fund.
The Township Committee shall determine the appropriate expenditure
of funds accumulated in the Mantua Township Tree Trust Fund. The expenditure
of funds shall be in accordance with the purposes and intent of this
chapter as expressed. The Township Committee may consult with the
Township Environmental Commission, or any environmental professional,
in order to aid the process of determining the appropriate expenditure
of the fund.
B.
Emergency expenditures from Mantua Township Tree Trust
Fund. The Township Committee may, based upon an emergent event, authorize
expenditures from the Tree Trust Fund in the case of trees which are
either damaged or downed on Township property due to storm, wind or
other act of nature. The emergency expenditure of such funds will
be for the removal and disposal of downed trees, the appropriate repair
of trees which can be salvaged by an arborist and the replanting of
replacement trees if determined to be cost-effective to do so immediately,
with consideration being given to whether or not it is planting season.
An accounting of the emergency funds expended will be provided.
