Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.4. Tree Protection
5.4.1. Purpose
June 23, 2017 Morrisville, NC
Page 5-4 Unified Development Ordinance
Linear error of closure shall not exceed one foot per 10,000 feet of perimeter of the lot of land
(1:10,000), except for commercial and industrial subdivisions, where linear error closure shall not
exceed one foot per fifteen thousand 15,000 feet of perimeter (1:15,000).
SECTION 5.4. TREE PROTECTION
5.4.1. Purpose
The purpose of this section is to establish minimum standards to ensure that development and land-disturbing
activities do not result in the unnecessary removal or damage of tree canopy and mature trees that contribute
to the character and quality of life in Morrisville by:
A. Preserving and enhancing the visual and aesthetic qualities of the Town;
B. Reducing glare, dust, heat, and noise;
C. Maintaining and enhancing property values;
D. Increasing slope stability and controlling erosion and sedimentation;
E. Reducing stormwater runoff into waterways and preserving and enhancing water quality;
F. Preserving and enhancing air quality;
G. Conserving wildlife habitat; and
H. Conserving energy by moderating temperatures and reducing heating and cooling demands.
5.4.2. Applicability
A. General
The standards in this section shall apply to all new development subject to Planned Development
Rezoning (Section , Conceptual Master Plan Approval (Sectio , Special Use Permit (Section
, Major Site Plan Approval (Sectio , or Minor Site Plan Approval (Section , unless
such new development is expressly exempted in accordance with subsectio below.
B. Exemptions
The following activities are exempt from the standards of this section:
The removal or replacement of trees associated with the development of a bungalow court, pocket
neighborhood, single-family detached, duplex, or manufactured home dwelling, or a subdivision
that creates lots for such dwellings;
The removal or replacement of trees associated with an existing single-family detached, duplex,
or manufactured home dwelling;
The removal or replacement of trees associated with development in a Main Street or Transit-
Oriented Development zoning district;
The removal of dead or naturally-fallen trees;
The removal of trees that pose an imminent threat of falling onto an existing structure, are so close
to an existing structure as to endanger the stability of the structure, or otherwise create on-going
safety problems for existing development;
The removal of diseased trees posing a threat to adjacent trees;
The removal of invasive species of trees, provided the removal results in the complete removal of
the trees (including roots);