[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Falls Township 12-4-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-09. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Trees improve air and water quality, reduce soil erosion, noise
and glare, provide habitat for desirable wildlife, moderate the climate
and enhance community image and property values. Therefore, the purpose
of these regulations is to encourage the protection of trees through
sound land use practices. Therefore, the goals of this chapter are
to:
A.Â
Preserve, protect and maintain existing trees in Falls Township and
to increase the overall tree canopy and understory on both public
and private lands therein.
B.Â
Ensure that all applications for earth disturbance permit, demolition
permit, building permit, subdivision, land development or zoning change
application shall respect existing trees as a natural resource. As
such, impervious areas shall be laid out in a manner so as to preserve
the healthy trees on the site whenever possible.
C.Â
To preserve and protect all individual (and groups of) heritage trees
as defined herein.
D.Â
To ensure that no trees are destroyed on any property scheduled for
development within five years prior to the submission of an application
for earth disturbance permit, demolition permit, building permit,
subdivision, land development or zoning change application.
E.Â
To strictly prohibit any clear cutting of trees.
F.Â
To preserve, protect and encourage the replacement of native species
with native species.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The property owner or his authorized representative; the
term includes "developer."
Any tree that is inside the limit of disturbance and is to
be properly protected and not destroyed or injured during construction
as required by this chapter and as approved by the Shade Tree Commission.
A tree on an adjacent property whose root protection zone
intrudes across the property line of the property under consideration.
A measure of nursery stock measured in diameter. For four-inch
diameter stock or smaller, the measure is taken at six inches above
the root ball. For stock above four inches, the measurement is taken
at 12 inches above the root ball.
Large, shade trees with deciduous foliage (bare in winter)
generally reaching at least 40 feet in height at maturity.
The indiscriminate and broad removal of trees, shrubs or
undergrowth with the intention of preparing real property for nonagricultural
development purposes. This definition shall not include the selective
removal of nonnative tree and shrub species when the soil is left
relatively undisturbed, the removal of dead or significantly diseased
trees and those trees which pose an imminent danger to the public
health, safety or welfare.
Diameter at breast height; a measure of trunk diameter in
inches, taken at 4Â 1/2 feet above the natural ground line. The
measured section of the tree should be free of branches and representative
of the typical age of the tree species. DBH measurement is applied
to existing trees (compared to caliper used for nursery stock).
The boundary created by the outermost branches of a tree.
A woody plant capable of reaching a minimum mature height
of 20 feet with foliage persistent for more than one full year, resulting
in a year-round (evergreen) foliage screening capacity.
A deciduous tree, single or multistem, with a minimum height
of 15 feet. Single-stem variety must be a minimum of two-inch caliper.
Multistem must have no less than three stems with a minimum caliper
of 0.75 inch per stem.
A low-growing perennial plant.
A tree with uncorrectable defects severe enough to pose present
danger to people or buildings under normal conditions, as determined
by the Township Shade Tree Commission.
A narrow linear vegetated area with a mix of woody trees
and shrubs formed along farm fields and pastures. Hedgerows may be
considered as a desirable visual characteristic of a rural landscape,
warranting preservation during the subdivision or land development
process.
A tree located on public or private property:
Any plant that appears in the most recent invasive plants
list published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources (DCNR).
Boundary line to be shown on a plan delineating the area
outside of which no activity of any sort relating to transplanting,
demolition, grading, construction, drainage, storage or any other
project activities is permitted.
A designated parcel, tract or area of land established by
a plot or otherwise as permitted by law to be used, developed or built
upon as a unit and which is described and/or held in single and separate
ownership.
A plant species indigenous to the Northeastern United States
that occurs naturally in a particular region, state, ecosystem, and
habitat without direct or indirect human actions.
Small plant grown in a tray with its own separate cell of
compost to minimize disturbance.
Any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a
legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official
records of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Montgomery
or Falls Township as holding title to the property; or otherwise having
control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any
such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such
person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court.
Any tree that is destroyed, injured or otherwise not protected
according to the provisions of this chapter.
A tree required to be planted per this chapter to compensate
for the removal or damage of existing trees on a site.
The area within a tree's temporary protection fencing which
is to be maintained throughout the entire period of any construction.
The protective fencing shall be placed at a distance calculated at
1.25 feet (radius) per each one inch of (DBH) diameter breast height
or to the outer edge of the dripline, whichever is greater.
Area that contains native and/or nonnative annual and perennial
plants, including a mix of grasses and herbaceous flowering plants
that match the growing conditions of the site.
A woody plant or a portion thereof that has a minimum three-inch
caliper, is 14 feet or more in height, has eight feet minimum spread
with clear trunk to seven feet, and has full branching structure within
an ultimate right-of-way in Falls Township.
The Township's Shade Tree Commission.
A woody plant, usually with multiple stems, each of which
has a DBH of less than three inches with a minimum height of 24 inches.
Any hard-wooded perennial plant, whether evergreen or deciduous,
or a species which normally reaches a height of eight feet or more
at maturity.
Plan identifying the size, species and location of all existing
trees having a diameter at breast height (DBH) of six inches or greater
and denoting each tree to be saved, removed or planted with the location
of the tree protection fences and the proposed schedule of replacement
trees.
A.Â
Unless exempt, any property owner or developer who makes application
for an earth disturbance permit, demolition permit, building permit,
subdivision, land development or zoning change application shall comply
with the terms of this chapter.
B.Â
No clear cutting shall be permitted under any circumstance.
C.Â
Except as to heritage trees, this chapter is not intended to apply
to:
(1)Â
The removal of trees from a lot containing an existing single-family
residence, unless such removal is a part of grading activities that
impact 5,000 square feet or more of area. However, no property owner
or occupant shall be permitted to remove trees if such trees have
been planted or preserved to meet the requirements of Township ordinances
or an application approved by the Township.
(2)Â
The removal of trees identified as dead or diseased by the Shade
Tree Commission.
(3)Â
The removal of trees for sale in the ordinary course of business
from horticultural properties, such as farms, nurseries or orchards.
(4)Â
The removal of any tree which has become or threatens to become a
danger to life or property.
(5)Â
The removal of trees required for approved utility construction within
established easement areas.
(6)Â
Forestry practices, in keeping with established best management practices
for selective harvesting and sustained yield forestry.
D.Â
The removal of more than 50% of the trees on any lot shall not be
permitted under any circumstance unless expressly permitted by the
terms of this Code.
A.Â
Tree survey plan.
(1)Â
Each and every application for an earth disturbance permit, demolition
permit, building permit, subdivision, land development or zoning change
application shall include a tree survey plan except any action that
does not include ground coverage disturbance.
(2)Â
The tree survey plan shall contain existing and proposed topographic
information at two-foot contour intervals and shall show all existing
and proposed buildings and structures, driveways, and parking areas,
drainage structures, water detention/retention areas, utilities, construction
material staging area and all limits of grading.
(3)Â
The tree survey plan shall denote each tree to be saved, lost or
destroyed, the location of tree protection fences for each tree to
be saved, and the proposed tree replacement schedule.
(4)Â
The tree survey plan shall be reviewed by the Shade Tree Commission
in a public meeting.
(5)Â
Subject to the recommendation of the Shade Tree Commission, the number
of trees shall be calculated using the guidelines listed in this chapter.
(6)Â
Any tree lost or destroyed within five years prior to the submission
of an application shall be shown on the tree survey plan as a "removed
tree" and shall be replaced in accordance with this chapter.
(7)Â
Heritage trees and boundary trees shall be individually noted on
the tree survey plan.
B.Â
Tree protection and preservation.
(1)Â
Protective fencing. Every application subject to this chapter shall
be prepared in such a manner to preserve the healthy trees and shrubs
on the site. Prior to the preconstruction conference with the Township's
designee, protective fencing shall be placed around trees to minimize
damage to root systems. The protective fencing shall be placed around
the root protection zone. The fencing shall be highly visible (orange),
at least four feet high and staked with posts every five feet on center.
Nothing shall be stored, stockpiled, temporarily placed or allowed
in the root protection zone. This fence will be installed prior to
any and all work conducted; e.g., excavation, grading, trenching (especially
silt fence), cleaning, etc. No fuel storage, refueling or maintenance
of equipment or wash down of cement handling equipment shall be permitted
within 100 feet of any tree to be preserved. Any damage to the fencing
or encroachment on the protected areas shall be remedied immediately.
Any observed damage to the trees shall be immediately reported to
the Township and remedied as soon as is practicable. At the discretion
of the Shade Tree Commission, approved preserved trees that have not
been adequately protected or damaged may be required to be removed
and replaced at the expense of the applicant.
(2)Â
Preconstruction conference. Upon approval of any permit subject to
this chapter, and prior to any construction, demolition or earth disturbance
on the site, a preconstruction conference shall be held on the site
between the Township's designee and the applicant. The Township's
designee shall inspect the tree protection fences and other protective
devices which have been installed to protect trees.
(3)Â
After the preconstruction conference, the Township's designee shall
notify the Township of its findings in writing. Upon approval of the
tree protection measures by the Township, demolition, grading and
construction may proceed, provided that all pertinent permits have
been secured.
(4)Â
Invasive vines. Invasive vines which threaten the health of any approved
preserved tree shall be cut at the base using a hand saw, snips or
loppers, and treated with a basal herbicide to minimize regrowth.
The vine shall not be pulled out of the tree but shall be allowed
to die in place.
(5)Â
Credit for approved preserved trees in subdivisions and land developments.
(b)Â
However, the number of trees required to be planted in buffer
strips may be reduced by a credit for approved preserved trees as
follows:
[1]Â
Approved preserved trees around the perimeter of the property may offset the buffer requirements for that site (as required by § 191-48I, Plantings, of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance).
[2]Â
Any tree preserved within 20 feet of any proposed building or
within five feet of a proposed road or sidewalk shall not be considered
an approved preserved tree.
[3]Â
The credit for approved preserved trees to offset buffer landscaping
requirements shall be calculated as follows:
|
Diameter of Trunk of Preserved Tree
(dbh in inches)
|
Number of Trees Credited
|
|---|---|
|
30 or greater
|
8
|
|
18 to 29
|
6
|
|
12 to 17
|
4
|
|
6 to 11
|
2
|
(6)Â
Replacement tree requirement.
(a)Â
Every tree determined to be living and healthy, with a DBH of
six inches or greater and which is designated to be removed or which
is destroyed, shall be replaced with one or more new shade trees of
a type approved by the Township with a trunk diameter of not less
than three inches in caliper. The total caliper of replacement trees,
measured at six inches above the ground line, shall equal or exceed
the DBH of the tree removed.
(b)Â
No heritage tree is to be removed for any reason without the
prior approval of the Board of Supervisors after recommendation by
the Shade Tree Commission. Any heritage tree removed without approval
by the Board of Supervisors must be replaced with trees of equivalent
value as recommended by the Shade Tree Commission and approved by
the Board of Supervisors.
(c)Â
Replacement trees shall be planted in addition to the trees
required by planting requirements otherwise set forth in the Subdivision
and Land Development Code. All replacement trees shall have deer protection
on the tree trunks at a minimum of 4Â 1/2 feet from the ground
up to prevent bark damage without the use of chemicals. Said deer
protection shall remain in place 18 months from the post-construction
conference.
(d)Â
If the Shade Tree Commission determines that there is not sufficient
area on the development site for the placement of all replacement
trees, a percentage of the replacement trees that can be planted on
the development site will be increased in caliper size from the three-inch
minimum in accordance with the following schedule:
|
Number of Trees That Cannot Be Planted
|
Percent of Replace- ment Trees with a Four-Inch Caliper
|
Percent of Replace- ment Trees with a Five-Inch Caliper
|
Percent of Replace- ment Trees with a Six-Inch Caliper
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 to 10
|
10%
|
0%
|
0%
|
|
11 to 50
|
10%
|
10%
|
10%
|
|
51 to 100
|
30%
|
20%
|
10%
|
|
More than 100
|
40%
|
25%
|
25%
|
(e)Â
The species of replacement trees shall be subject to the prior
recommendation of the Shade Tree Commission. Species are to be hardy
to the area and noninvasive and 50% shall be native, consistent with
the provisions of this section. The applicant can refer to the Pennsylvania
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry's
latest publication of tree species for listing of selections.
(f)Â
Subject to the prior approval of the Shade Tree Commission:
[1]Â
A maximum of 30% of the replacement trees may be replaced with
ornamental/flowering trees or evergreen trees at a ratio of two flowering
or two evergreen trees per required three-inch-caliper shade tree.
[2]Â
A maximum of 20% of the replacement trees may be replaced as
shrubs with a minimum size of 24 inches in height at a ratio of six
shrubs per required three-inch-caliper shade tree.
[3]Â
A maximum of 10% of the replacement trees may be replaced as
groundcover at a ratio of 40 plants to one three-inch-caliper shade
tree. The minimum size of the groundcover will be a one-gallon container.
[5]Â
A maximum of 5% of replacement trees may be replaced with plugs
at a rate of 240 plugs at a minimum of 1.25 inches by 1.25 inches
with a 2.5-inch-deep root zone for every three-inch-caliper shade
tree or seeded meadows at a rate of 250 square feet for every three-inch-caliper
shade tree, or a combination of the plugs and seeded meadow not to
exceed a combined total of 5%. The selection of plants for the seeded
meadow must include a blend of plants with different growing heights,
a ground layer, a mid-height layer and a canopy layer. The meadow
must be of a native mix and mowed once per year in the months of March
and April to arrest the succession of development of woody plants.
The seeded meadow must have a maintained edge along the perimeter
of the property. The maintained edge or mow area shall consist of
a five-foot-wide band, maintained at four inches in height, followed
by a five-foot band maintained at 10 inches in height, with the inner
meadow not to exceed four feet in height. The seeding rates and varieties
shall consist of a combination of 10 perennial varieties at nine pounds
per acre of pure live seed and 13 annual varieties at six pounds per
acre of pure live seed, totaling no more than 15 pounds per acre of
pure live seed.
(g)Â
Calculation and estimation of existing trees to be indicated
on the tree survey plan shall be performed before any clearing commences
and shall be performed in the presence of the Township or its designee.
(7)Â
Post-construction. Calculation of approved trees actually remaining
after construction shall be performed by the Township or its designee
based on a procedure similar to that used in completing the tree survey.
In the event the completed project is not in compliance with the approved
schedule of preserved trees on the final plan, the applicant shall
receive written instructions from the Township addressing reparation
for all removed trees. The applicant shall complete the reparation,
weather permitting, within 45 days of receiving such notification.
(8)Â
Replacement guarantee. All replacement plantings shall be guaranteed
and maintained in a healthy and/or sound condition for at least 18
months or shall be replaced.
A.Â
In addition to the other provisions of this chapter, the penalties
for any violation of this chapter, including, without limitation,
failure to comply with a plan approved by the Shade Tree Commission,
shall be guilty of a summary offense and upon conviction thereof shall
be subject to the enforcement remedies within the Falls Township Code
and any other applicable law.
B.Â
Any person who violates this chapter, including property owners,
occupants, tree companies and gardeners, may be held liable for a
violation of this chapter. If a violation occurs during construction,
the Township may issue a stop-work order suspending and prohibiting
further activity on the property until a mitigation plan, including
protection measures for remaining trees on the property, has been
approved by the Shade Tree Commission.
