[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Plainsboro 10-13-2016 by Ord.
No. 16-16.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance was originally adopted as Ch.
36 but was renumbered to maintain the alphabetical organization of
the Code.
The Township has instituted a process for landowners who wish
to remove trees from their property by obtaining a tree removal permit.
Removal of a tree classified as a significant tree is either a deciduous
tree (one that loses its leaves each fall) that could reach a mature
height of 50 feet, or an evergreen tree that could reach a mature
height of 30 feet.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall
have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise:
An individual who earned and currently maintains the certification
of Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture.
Trees that drop their leaves for part of the year.
The diameter of a tree trunk measured at a point four and
one-half feet above ground level, on the uphill side.
A tree that is irretrievably diseased or infested with insects
that cannot be treated at a reasonable cost.
Trees that maintain their leaves throughout the year.
An appraisal based on standards set forth in the 9th edition
or later of the Guide for Plant Appraisal ("ISA method") published
by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
An individual who earned and currently maintains the certification
Certified Tree Expert (CTE) from the New Jersey Society of Tree Experts.
Any tree located on lands not owned by the Township of Plainsboro
or any other governmental entity.
Deciduous trees at a mature height greater than 50 feet,
evergreen trees at a mature height greater than 30 feet and not considered
ornamental.
Includes girdling; excessive pruning or thinning not in conformance
with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards and application
of any substance toxic to the tree.
Any woody plant with a main stem or multiple stems having
branches protruding above the root flare that is categorized as a
deciduous or evergreen.
The process of removing a tree, which includes the complete
removal of the trunk, hauling away and properly disposing of all logs,
branches and leaves associated with the removed tree and grinding
of the stump 6Â 1/2 inches below grade.
A.Â
The following types of tree removal are exempt from the permit process;
however, the Township should be consulted to verify the exemption:
(1)Â
Removal or remedial work on a tree not categorized as significant.
(2)Â
Removal of limbs that pose a threat or risk to the general health.
(3)Â
Pruning and trimming to enhance the growth of a tree in conformance
with industry standards.
(4)Â
Approved forestry activities covered under the guidance of a New
Jersey-approved consulting forester and adhering to state-approved
woodland management or forest stewardship plan.
A.Â
Any person desiring to remove a significant tree shall be prepared
to complete the checklist below. The Township will either approve
the tree(s) for removal, or indicate the tree should be preserved
and list the reasons why.
(1)Â
Pay permit fee of $15 (multiple trees must be shown on the survey).
(2)Â
Name and address of applicant.
(3)Â
Property address, block/lot, survey marked on Tax Map to show significant
tree(s) location.
(4)Â
Reason for tree to be removed is because it is dead or dying.
(5)Â
Reason for tree to be removed is because it is diseased.
(6)Â
Reason for tree to be removed is because it is causing a hazard to
the house, outbuilding, sidewalk, or driveway.
(7)Â
Reason for tree to be removed is so other beneficial trees can flourish
or be planted.
B.Â
The completed tree removal permit/application shall be forwarded
to the Department of Planning and Zoning.
C.Â
The Township shall have 30 business days to conduct a review of the
complete application. However, the Township reserves the right to
request an additional 14 business days to review all new and additional
information.
All applicants are hereby granted the right to appeal a denial
to the Township Administrator within 10 business days of the Township's
designated officials report. The Township Administrator shall have
30 days to hear the matter after the filing of the appeal. The Township
Administrator may affirm, reverse or modify the original decision
and thus constitute the final administrative determination of the
application.
A.Â
Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this chapter
shall be subject to the general provision of the Township Code.
B.Â
Each violation is considered a separate offense.
C.Â
Any person found guilty of removing a tree(s) or implementing actions
that cause substantial harm will be fined $500 or three times the
cost of a replacement tree of the same species at 2.5 inches DBH,
whichever is greater.
