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A. The intent of this Article is to preserve the natural landscape of Sullivan’s Island through the protection of trees and palmettos, maintaining and enhancing the tree mass, and mandating and encouraging the replanting of trees lost to development, destruction and natural causes.
B. The standards and regulations are established in order to promote the public health and general welfare of the citizens of the Town, to preserve the natural history, beauty and value of the whole Island, to mitigate and prevent wind and water damage and erosion, to minimize flooding and to improve water quality and surface drainage, to improve air quality and lessen air pollution, to reduce noise, heat and solar glare, to protect wildlife, to sustain property values and ensure that quality of life and well being are maintained for all citizens of the Town through an undiminished natural landscape.
A. Definitions.
(1) Application. An application for the removal and/or relocation of any Category I or II tree or Sabal Palmetto.
(2) Category I Tree. Also known as a “Significant” tree, this tree has a DBH of at least sixteen (16) inches or a height of at least forty (40) feet. A Category I tree has the highest level of protection based on its total value to the Island environment.
(3) Category II Tree. Also known as a “Protected” tree or species, this tree has a DBH of at least six (6) inches. All Sabal Palmetto (Cabbage Palm, herein called “Palmetto”) shall be given special protection as a “Protected” species.
(4) DBH. Diameter of tree at breast height or the diameter at four and a half (4 1/2) feet above grade.
(5) Determination of Tree Size. Tree size made by measuring the diameter of the tree at four and a half (4 1/2) feet above grade (DBH).
(6) Point of Measurement. Point at which tree size is measured to determine level of protection. Measurement shall be made by measuring the diameter of the tree at four and a half (4 1/2) feet above grade.
(7) Tree. Any living, self-supporting woody perennial plant that is evergreen or deciduous.
(8) Tree Commission. A Commission appointed by the Town Council to oversee the Tree Protection Article of the Zoning Ordinance.
A. Appointment and size. The Town Council shall appoint a Tree Commission (Commission), comprised of five (5) members, all residents of Sullivan’s Island who have demonstrated knowledge of the diversity of issues concerning trees and an interest in the preservation of the total environment of Sullivan’s Island.
B. Length of term. Members shall be appointed for three (3) year terms with reappointment permitted at the expiration of the term.
C. Removal and replacement of commission member. The Town Council may remove any Tree Commission member for repeated failure to attend meetings of the Commission or for any other cause deemed sufficient cause. A member appointed to replace a removed member shall serve the balance of the removed member’s unexpired term. At the completion of the unexpired term, the member is eligible for reappointment to a full term.
D. Officers and conduct of business.
(1) The Commission shall elect a chair and vice-chair for one (1) year terms. Officers may succeed themselves, if reelected.
(2) The Commission shall adopt rules for the conduct of business subject to the review of the Town Attorney.
(3) Meetings shall be conducted at such times as agreed by the Commission, at least once a month, or upon the call of the Chair.
(4) Three (3) members are required for a quorum. A concurring vote of three (3) members shall be necessary to take any action on an application.
(5) All Commission meetings shall be public and proceedings shall be reflected in minutes, kept on file as a public record in Town Hall.
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