Tree Protection, Buffers & Landscaping 8.1 Purpose
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8. Tree Protection, Buffers & Landscaping
8.1. Purpose It is the intent of this chapter to protect, refurbish, and improve the aesthetic appeal, scenic beauty, historic character, and economic value of properties within the Town of Wake Forest. The regulations in this chapter seek to maintain an overall coverage of mature trees and existing landscaping for the community in order to: • Maximize the economic vitality and positive commu nity image associated with the town’s mature vegetation;
Protect and enhance property values;
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• Maintain the aesthetic quality of the community as a whole;
• Moderate climate and reduce energy costs; and
• Mitigate the negative impacts of noise, glare, air and water pollution, and soil erosion on the environment of the town and on its inhabitants.
8.2. Applicability
8.2.1. General Provisions The requirements of this section shall apply to all land, public and private, in the Wake Forest zoning jurisdiction. Occupancy certificates for uses authorized by this ordinance shall not be issued until such requirements are installed, unless provided otherwise in this section. 8.2.2. Exemptions The following conditions are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: A. Improvements or repairs to interior and exterior features of existing structures or buildings which do not result in expansions or changes in the type of occupancy as set forth in the North Carolina Building Code. B. A single-family detached dwelling on an individual lot of record. C. Property covered by an active forestry management plan written by a North Carolina Registered Forester, provided documentation has been furnished to the town. Non-conforming preexisting development is subject to these standards as follows: 1. A change in type of occupancy, as set forth in the North Carolina Building Code; 2. A change in land use which requires an increase in the number of off-street parking spaces or the provision of a buffer yard; 3. Additions or expansions which singularly or collectively exceed 25% of the land area or gross building floor area existing at the effective date of this ordinance. B. The Town of Wake Forest recognizes that designing preexisting development to meet new regulations is more difficult and expensive than applying these standards to undeveloped properties. Therefore, greater flexibility will be afforded preexisting development in meeting the requirements of this section, in that: 8.2.3. Pre-Existing Development A.
Town of Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance – July 19, 2022
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