Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.4. Tree Protection
5.4.7. Mitigation for Tree Removal
Morrisville, NC June 23, 2017
Unified Development Ordinance Page 5-11
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.
Clearing of Vegetation
Any clearing of vegetation within the tree protection area shall be only by hand.
Use of Retaining Walls and Drywells
Retaining walls and drywells may be used to protect trees to be preserved from severe grade
changes if venting adequate to allow air and water to reach tree roots is provided through any
fill.
Structures and Hard Surfaces
No structures or hard surfaces can be located within a tree protection area.
Fences and Walls
Installation of fences and walls shall take into consideration the root systems of existing trees. Post-
holes and trenches close to trees shall be dug by hand and adjusted as necessary to avoid damage
to major roots. Continuous footers for masonry walls shall end at the point where major large roots
are encountered and these roots bridged.
(Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
5.4.7. Mitigation for Tree Removal
A. Replacement Trees
Rate of Provision
a. Trees within a Designated Protection Area
(1) Each existing non-specimen tree that is removed pursuant to a reduction or modification
of the minimum existing tree canopy retention standard or required per Section
shall be replaced with one or more trees with a
minimum caliper of two inches each and a cumulative caliper equal to the DBH of the
removed tree(s).
(2) Each existing specimen tree that is removed pursuant to a reduction or modification of
the minimum existing tree canopy retention standard or required per Section
shall be replaced with one or more trees with a minimum
caliper of five inches each and a cumulative caliper equal to or greater than two times
the DBH of the removed tree(s).
(3) Required replacement tree(s) shall be planted and maintained in accordance with the
planting standards in Section and shall comply
with all the standards in this subsection.
b. Trees without an Established Protection Area
(1) In cases where irreparable damage to or removal of existing trees takes place on a site
that is subject to the standards in Section 5.4, Tree Protection, but where a tree protection
area has not yet been established, a reforestation plan prepared by a North Carolina
Registered Forester shall be prepared and provided to the Town.