Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - April 2019

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.4. Tree Protection 5.4.6. Tree Protection During Development Activity

Tree Protection During Development Activity

5.4.6.

A. Responsibility

During any development activity (including demolition activity), the property owner or developer shall be responsible for protecting existing or replacement trees within a tree protection area.

B. Protective Fencing and Signage

Protective Fencing Continuous fencing consisting of a bright orange plastic mesh at least four feet high shall be provided along the boundaries of tree protection areas, no closer than one linear foot outside of the drip lines of trees within the area. The Planning Director shall consider existing site conditions and the species and size of the trees to be protected in determining the exact location of tree protective fencing, and may require the fencing to be extended to include the critical root zones of trees. (See Figure 5.4.6.B.1: Tree Protection Fencing and Signage.) Warning Sign Warning signs shall be installed along any required tree protective fencing at points no more than 150 feet apart. The signs shall be clearly visible from all sides of the outside of the fenced-in area. The size of each sign must be a minimum of two feet by two feet. The sign message shall, in both English and Spanish, identify the fenced or marked area as a tree protection area and direct construction workers not to encroach into the area (e.g., “Tree Protection Area: Do Not Enter”).

Duration of Protective Fencing or Signage Required protective fencing and signage shall be erected before any grading or other development activity begins and shall be maintained until issuance of a Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy following completion of all development in the immediate area of the fencing or signage.

C. Tree Protection Area Limitations and Requirements

Except where authorized by the tree protection plan, encroachments into a tree protection area may occur only when no other alternative exists, and shall comply with landscaping best management practices and the following limitations and requirements: Construction Activity, Equipment, or Materials Storage No development activity—including grade changes, the operation or parking of heavy equipment, or the washing down of concrete or cement handling equipment, or the storage of fuel, chemicals, materials, supplies, or construction waste and debris—shall be allowed within the tree protection area. Figure 5.4.6.B.1: Tree Protective Fencing and Signage.

Clearing of Vegetation

Any clearing of vegetation within the tree protection area shall be only by hand.

April 23, 2019

Morrisville, NC

Page 5-10

Unified Development Ordinance