(A) In order to maintain the unique characteristics of the town as a residential neighborhood with a history beginning as part of the Vanderbilt Estate, it is necessary to preserve the traditional appearance of Biltmore Forest as a true forest. This is particularly true of trees along the roads and around the perimeter of lots. Trees provide buffer and a natural canopy, and are a hallmark of the town requiring protection. The town is focused on maintaining the current health of the forest and increasing species diversity, with a primary goal to replace hardwood trees, other native trees, and trees of preference more quickly. Trees provide shade, cooling, noise and wind reduction, prevent soil erosion, produce oxygen, filter dust, and absorb carbon dioxide. Trees also provide natural habitat and aesthetic enhancement in the town.
(B) Preservation and appropriate replacement of trees is the intent of this chapter. This chapter shall apply to all properties within the town except as noted in division (C) below.
(C) This chapter does not apply to properties owned, leased, or controlled by the town. This chapter does not apply to properties that perform forestry activity on forestland taxed on the basis of its present-use value as forestland under G.S. Article 12, Chapter 105. Once an active forestry management plan is no longer in place, the exception for the property will be removed. Property owners with an active forestry management plan shall provide a current copy of this plan to the town each calendar year by January 31.
(Ord. 2023-06, passed 10-9-2023)