1214.01 Short title.
1214.02 Intent.
1214.03 Tree removal; required description.
1214.99 Penalty.
CROSS REFERENCES
Cutting or destroying trees - see M.C.L.A. Secs. 247.235, 247.241, 750.382, 752.701 et seq.
Vegetation generally - see GEN. OFF. Ch. 694
Trees and foliage - see S.U. & P. S. Ch. 1024
Trees in subdivisions - see P. & Z. 1228.04(e)
Land Development Regulations for trees - see P. & Z. 1244.06
Zoning requirements for vegetation - see P. & Z. 1298.04
The intent of this chapter is to preserve the pleasant aesthetics of wooded areas to the extent that such preservation is compatible with reasonableness, and it is intended that this chapter not be excessively restrictive or prohibitive, all so as to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
(Ord. 327. Passed 3-22-99.)
(a) All new development or redevelopment requiring plat approval, site plan approval or special land use approval shall require the submittal, as part of the review process, of a detailed description of existing natural features and characteristics of the land proposed for development.
No tree removal shall be performed prior to submittal and approval of the plat, site plan, or special land use.
(b) All owners of property desirous of removing, in any one-year period, five or more trees having trunks of four or more inches in diameter, shall submit to the Clinton Township Department of Planning and Community Development a detailed description of existing natural features and characteristics of the property for approval by the Clinton Township Planning Commission.
No tree removal shall be performed prior to approval by the Planning Commission.
(c) The detailed description of natural features and characteristics shall contain the following minimum information:
(1) A drawing, at a minimum scale of one inch equals 100 feet, or an aerial photograph indicating the location, either individually or in groups, of existing trees having trunks of four or more inches in diameter.
(2) A preliminary survey identifying the species of existing trees having trunks of four or more inches in diameter.
(3) Plans and/or specifications describing the location and species of trees having trunks of four or more inches in diameter which are proposed for removal individually or in groups.
If applicable, the plans or specifications shall describe the method by which remaining vegetation will be protected during periods of construction.
(d) In reviewing the information submitted and in approving a request for tree removal, the Planning Commission shall examine the reasonableness of the request in consideration of the development being proposed and may require that trees and/or other ground cover be replaced by the developer utilizing the following standards:
(1) The proportionate area of the parcel covered by tree canopy before and after the proposed development.
(2) The age, species and condition of the trees requested for removal.
(3) The location and feasibility of proposed areas where replacement trees or other ground cover can be installed with the reasonable likelihood of such vegetation thriving.
(4) The proposed cost for replacement trees or ground cover in relationship to the total proposed project cost.
(5) Whether other feasible design alternatives exist for the proposed development which would further minimize the removal, damage or destruction to trees.
(6) Such other considerations as deemed reasonably related to the proposed removal of trees by the Planning Commission.
(Ord. 327. Passed 3-22-99.)
(EDITOR'S NOTE: See Section 202.99 for general Code penalty if no specific penalty is provided.)