Natural growth, trees, shrubbery, foliage, grass and other natural growth shall not be cleared or removed from land areas in excess of 3,500 square feet without first obtaining a removal of natural growth permit for the same from the Building Inspector. A permit, however, shall not be necessary where such premises are included in a grading, excavation and filling permit authorized pursuant to this Zoning Ordinance.
(a) The Building Inspector shall issue a removal of natural growth permit when satisfactory evidence has been furnished to him of the following:
(1) That the applicant is the owner of the premises involved or is acting under or on behalf of the owner, or any one of the owners, if there are more than one.
(2) That the proposed removal of natural growth is necessary for imminent development of the premises, for agricultural purposes or to improve the usefulness, appearance or safety of the premises.
(3) That adequate provisions for increased surface water drainage, as determined by the Building Inspector, are provided for in each proposal. Such additional surface water drainage shall be controlled so as to prevent any undue burden on adjacent streets or public or private lands.
(Ord. 2717. Passed 2-10-86.)
(Ord. 2717. Passed 2-10-86.)
(b) Any harvesting of timber, whether by select cutting or clear cutting, shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1) In the case of clear cutting, a reforestation plan shall be submitted.
(2) No processing of timber shall be permitted on the site within 500 feet of any residential dwelling.
(3) The weight of trucks, number of trips and the roads proposed to be used for hauling shall be identified. A bond shall be posted in favor of the Borough in an amount determined by the Borough Engineer to guarantee restoration of any damage to Borough streets.
(4) A plan indicating the on-site logging roads and skid roads shall be submitted to the Borough and shall be incorporated into the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan for the site.
(5) An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan shall be submitted for the site and implemented throughout the operation.
(6) The applicant shall demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements of the PA Clean Streams Act.
(Ord. 2942. Passed 7-19-93.)
(c) Should the Building Inspector for any reason refuse to issue a permit for the removal of such natural growth, the matter may be appealed to the Zoning Hearing Board. The Zoning Hearing Board shall then treat the application as a request for a use by special exception and may authorize the granting of such a permit, subject to such conditions as it may then deem appropriate and necessary.
(Ord. 2717. Passed 2-10-86.)