A. Street trees.
(1) No person or entity, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining the approval of the Environmental Commission, shall remove or relocate any street tree.
(2) No person shall be permitted to prune a street tree so severely as to show evidence, within a period of two years, of irreparable harm leading to the ultimate death of a tree.
(3) Whenever a street tree obstructs, interferes or impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic or in any way causes any damage to a sidewalk, the Environmental Commission may cause the removal of the tree. All attempts short of removal shall first be employed prior to removal of the tree.
(4) Whenever possible, trees removed pursuant to this section shall be replaced with new plantings.
(5) The applicant must provide three copies of the tree removal permit application to the Code Enforcement Official and/or Building Inspector. A copy shall also be provided to the Chairperson of the Environmental Commission, or approved designee, who shall then decide if the application should be reviewed by the entire Environmental Commission. In the event that it is to be reviewed by the entire Commission, the procedure outlined in § 267-11C(3) of this article shall be followed.
B. Town trees.
(1) No person or entity, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining the approval of the Environmental Commission, shall remove or relocate any Town tree.
(2) No person shall be permitted to prune a Town tree so severely as to show evidence, within a period of two years, of irreparable harm leading to the ultimate death of a tree.
(3) Whenever a Town tree obstructs, interferes with or impedes vehicular or pedestrian traffic or in any way causes any damage to a sidewalk creating an unreasonable risk of injury or damage to persons or property, the Environmental Commission may authorize the removal of the tree. All attempts short of removal shall first be employed prior to removal of the tree.
(4) Whenever possible, trees removed trees pursuant to this section, shall be replaced with new plantings.
(5) The applicant must provide three copies of the tree removal permit application to the Code Enforcement Official and/or Building Inspector. A copy shall also be provided to the Chairperson of the Environmental Commission, or his/her approved designee, who shall then decide if the application should be reviewed by the entire Environmental Commission. In the event that it is to be reviewed by the entire Commission, the procedure outlined in § 267-11C(3) of this article shall be followed.
C. Trees on new development lots.
(1) No person or entity, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining a tree removal permit, shall remove any tree for purposes of development of vacant lots in the Town of Hammonton.
(2) Applications for a tree removal permit, pursuant to this section, shall include the following, and such shall be supplied when application is made for a subdivision, site plan or planned development:
(a) The name(s), address and telephone number of the property owner.
(b) The block and lot numbers of property on which trees are located.
(c) A sketch map showing approximate locations of all wooded areas on lots.
(d) A statement of the reason for tree removal.
(e) The flagging of trees to be removed so that they can be identified by municipal personnel.
(f) The area of the entire tract.
(g) The location of all existing trees having a diameter of 15 inches or greater, by species, size and condition.
(h) A topographical map of the property.
(i) A map of location and surrounding properties approximating wooded areas.
(j) The location of streams and wetlands.
(k) The location of trees to be either removed or planted in relation to the principal and accessory buildings, roads and driveways, parking lots, garden areas, septic systems, etc.
(l) The grading plans.
(3) All applicants must provide three copies of the applications to the Environmental Commission for its review prior to any permit being issued for tree removal or development on the property or receipt of Planning Board approval. The Environmental Commission shall receive all pending applications seven days prior to its next scheduled meeting for purpose of review. Any recommendations or comments shall be forwarded by the Environmental Commission to the Planning Board and/or Building Inspector within 30 days of the Environmental Commission meeting. In the event that the Environmental Commission recommends disapproval of the plan as submitted, it shall specify, in writing, the reason(s) for the recommendation. This recommendation shall be considered and made part of the permanent record before the Planning Board or Building Inspector.
D. Trees on developed lots.
(1) No person or entity, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining a tree removal permit, shall be allowed to remove from a developed lot any of the following:
(a) Any tree 20 inches or greater in diameter.
(b) Any 10 or more trees per acre or less, which trees are seven inches or greater in diameter.
(2) Application for a tree removal permit under this section shall include the following:
(a) The name(s), address and telephone number of the property owner.
(b) The block and lot numbers of property on which trees are located.
(c) A sketch map showing approximate locations of all wooded areas on lots.
(d) A statement of the reason for tree removal.
(e) The flagging of trees to be removed so they can be identified by municipal personnel.
(3) The applicant must provide three copies of the tree removal permit application to the Code Enforcement Official and/or Building Inspector. A copy shall also be provided to the Chairperson of the Environmental Commission, or approved designee, who shall then decide if the application should be reviewed by the entire Environmental Commission. In the event that it is to be reviewed by the entire Commission, the procedure outlined in § 267-11C(3) of this article shall be followed.