Secondary and Cumulative Impacts Master Management Plan - 2014

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.4. Tree Protection 5.4.1. Purpose

coordinates. The station or monument shall be located on the Final Plat to an accuracy of 1:15,000 with a statement identifying the station or monument. If such a monument or station is not available, the tie shall be made to some permanent and readily recognizable landmark or identifiable point, physical object, or structure.

D. Subdivision Survey Accuracy

1. Angular error of closure shall not exceed 20 seconds times the square foot of the number of angles turned. 2. 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

COMMENTARY The Land Use Plan calls for creation of a tree protection ordinance to protect trees during development and limit the heat island effect of urban development patterns. Part C, Article IX (Landscape Ordinance) of the current Zoning Ordinance includes minimal standards for protecting existing trees. This proposed new section expands those standards to require retention of a percentage of existing tree canopy and/or preserve specific specimen or heritage trees.

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. A. General The standards in this section shall apply to any removal of a specimen tree and to all new development subject to Planned Development Rezoning (Section 2.5.3), Conceptual Master Plan Approval (Section 2.5.4), Special Use Permit (Section 2.5.5), Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Approval (Section 2.5.6.B), Minor Subdivision Plat Approval (Section 2.5.6.D), Major Site Plan Approval (Section 2.5.7.B), or Minor Site Plan Approval (Section 2.5.7.C), unless such specimen tree removal or new development is expressly exempted in accordance with subsection B below. 5.4.2. Applicability

B. Exemptions

The following activities are exempt from the standards of this section:

1. The removal of trees other than specimen trees where associated with an existing single-family detached, duplex, or manufactured home dwelling use on an existing lot.

2.

The removal of dead or naturally-fallen trees;

June 2013 Page 5-4

Morrisville, NC

Unified Development Ordinance - Public Hearing Draft