Updated Working DRAFT UDO_Adopted Version_July 2024

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.4. Tree Protection 5.4.3. Tree Survey

Tree Survey

5.4.3.

A. Purpose The purpose of the tree survey is to clearly demonstrate the location and area of existing tree canopy coverage for stands of trees on a development site as well as the location and size of individual specimen trees on the site. B. Required A tree survey shall be prepared and submitted as part of any application for development subject to this section. Except for vacant sites of more than 30 acres in area that are 100 percent covered by an existing tree canopy, the tree survey shall include: 1. The latest available aerial photograph of the development site; and 2. A plan depicting: a. The location, area, predominant species, general health, estimated tree number, and average diameter at breast height (DBH) of stands of trees; C. Form c. The location and DBH of trees to be credited towards the requirements in Section 5.7, Perimeter and Streetyard Buffers, and Section 5.12, Landscaping. The proposed tree protection area boundary, including any areas where replacement tree are proposed in accordance with Section 5.4.7.A.2, Location of Replacement Trees; d. The location of the drip line and tree trunks associated with trees bordering the tree protection area boundary; b. The location, species, general health, and DBH of all individual specimen trees on the site;

e. Known dead or diseased trees, where practical; and

f. The percentage of the lot area (excluding all proposed street rights-of-way, existing utility easements, and natural water surface areas) that is covered by existing tree canopy.

g. Priority retention areas; and

h. Trees located in the proposed streetyard buffer measuring 12” in caliper or greater.

(Ord. No. 2015-002, 04/29/2015)

D. Vacant Sites Over 30 Acres Applications for development on vacant sites of 30 acres in area or larger that are 100 percent covered by existing tree canopy may submit the latest available aerial photograph as the required tree survey, provided: 1. The aerial photograph is supplemented by a plan showing the location of the drip edge and tree trunks associated with trees bordering the tree protection area boundary; and 2. In cases where an applicant is seeking to use existing trees to comply with the standards in Section 5.7, Perimeter and Streetyard Buffers, Section 5.12, Landscaping, or Section 5.4.7, Mitigation for Tree Removal, a plan prepared in accordance with subsection 5.4.3.C.2 above is also required.

Tree Canopy Retention and Protection

5.4.4.

A. Minimum Percentage

Except as exempted by 5.4.2.B, Exemptions on a development site shall retain and protect a minimum of 15% tree canopy coverage for non-residential and mixed use development and 20% for

Morrisville, NC

July 1, 2024

Unified Development Ordinance

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