(A) Purpose. In order to promote the highest environmental quality possible, the degree to which the applicant of a subdivision or land development plan has preserved existing salient natural features and land forms intrinsic to the site shall be assessed. Terms of approval of a plat may be subject to the manner in which the layout or design of the plan has preserved existing natural features such as, but not limited to, trees, wooded areas, and watercourse.
(B) Open space. Where the applicant is offering for dedication, or is required by ordinance to establish a reservation of open space or preserve an area of scenic or historic importance, a “limit of work,” which will confine excavation, earth moving procedures, and other changes to the landscape, may be required to ensure preservation and prevent despoliation of the character of the area in open space.
(C) Tree preservation. Whenever possible, trees shall not be removed unless they are located within the proposed street right-of-way, within the proposed building area, or within utility locations and equipment access areas. In areas where trees are retained, the original grade level shall be maintained, if possible, so as not to disturb the trees.
(D) Top soil preservation. All of the top soil from areas where cuts and fills have been made should be stockpiled and redistributed uniformly after grading. All areas of the site shall be stabilized by seeding or planting on slopes of less than 10% and shall be stabilized by sodding on slopes 10% or more and planted in ground cover on slopes 20% or greater.
(E) Landscaping. For all multi-family, apartment, office, commercial, and industrial subdivisions or land developments, a landscaping plan shall be provided and shall include sufficient plantings for the required open space, planting strips, screenings, formal gardens, shade trees, and natural barriers.
(F) Buffer planting requirements. Buffer yard requirements should be as specified in the borough’s zoning ordinance (Chapter 154).
(G) Preserved landscaping. When there is a conscientious effort to preserve the existing natural integrity and character of a site and where such preservation effectuates areas of woodland and trees comparable to required planting improvements, i.e., landscaping and buffer screening, the plan may be received in lieu of additional landscaping requirements.
(H) Trees. The planting of trees within the street right-of-way line shall not be permitted. The planting of any trees within the private property of each residential lot shall be at the discretion of the property owner or developer.
(I) Watercourse protection. Where a subdivision or land development is traversed by a natural watercourse, there shall be provided a drainage easement or right-of-way conforming substantially with the line of such watercourse and of such width as will be adequate to preserve natural drainage. Such easement shall be in addition to the open space required in division (B) above.
(Prior Code, Ch. 22, Pt. 5, § 510) (Ord. 2-2001, passed 7-2-2001)