§ 22-411. Landscaping and Buffer Yards.
   1.   The proposed development shall avoid excessive tree clearance, earth moving and destruction of natural amenities. Natural features shall be preserved and incorporated into the site design to the greatest extent possible.
   2.   Existing hedgerows shall be utilized as landscaping and buffer wherever possible.
   3.   Existing trees shall be protected to prevent unnecessary destruction during construction. Healthy trees with a caliper of 6 inches or more as measured at a height of 4'/2 feet above existing grade, shall not be removed unless they are located within 20 feet any planned improvement. In areas where trees are retained, the original grade level shall be generally maintained so as not to disturb the trees.
   4.   Ground cover shall be provided on all disturbed, unpaved areas to prevent soil erosion.
   5.   The developer shall inquire into the feasibility of providing underground telephone and electric lines.
   6.   A buffer yard shall be required where proposed development is located adjacent to an agricultural zone or use.
      A.   Such buffer shall consist of either existing or newly planted trees located throughout the length and breadth of the buffer yard.
      B.   Such buffer shall cover a minimum width of 50 feet. At the discretion of the Township Planning Commission, a wider buffer may be required. Certain uses proposed in the scenic protection overlay area shall require a minimum buffer yard width of 100 feet and the Planning Commission may require a greater width.
      C.   If evergreen trees are planted, their density shall be one tree per 10 linear feet of the buffer yard's length and breadth and shall be of 3 feet height at the time of planting.
      D.   If deciduous trees are planted, their density shall be one tree per 20 linear feet of the buffer yard's length and breadth and shall be of 4 feet height at the time of planting.
      E.   If an orchard is planted, density and tree size shall be according to standard fruit grower practices.
      F.   Buffer yard trees shall be healthy and dead trees shall be replaced.
   7.   Buffering and landscaping requirements are identified for specific uses in Part 5 of the Zoning Ordinance [Chapter 27] for which the standards of § 27-806 of that Chapter shall apply.
(Ord. 31911993A, § 410)