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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.4. Tree Protection
5.4.6. Tree Protection During Development Activity
June 23, 2017
Morrisville, NC
Page 5-10
Unified Development Ordinance
recorded subdivision plat shall include a note prohibiting disturbance of the tree protection area during
development of the subdivision except as authorized by this section.
D.
Tree protection areas shall be shown and labeled as Tree Preservation Area(s) on a Final Plat recorded
at the Register of Deeds for the county in which the development site is located prior to issuance of the
first Certificate of Compliance/Occupancy for the development.
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
5.4.6.
Tree Protection During Development Activity
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:
Figur
e 5.4.6.B.1:Tree Protective Fencing and Signage.