Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance - July 2022

Tree Protection, Buffers & Landscaping 8.4 Tree Preservation

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D.

Invasive, Dead and Unhealthy Trees 1. No credit will be allowed for any invasive exotic tree, dead tree, any tree in poor health, or any tree subject to grade alterations. 2. The death or unhealthy state of any tree(s) used for preservation credit, within 3 years of establishing the TSA, shall require the property owner to plant new trees equal to the number of credited trees. 3.

If any tree(s) used for preservation credit is improperly protected or determined to be hazardous, the Administrator may require new trees be planted equal to the number of credit trees. 4. The Administrator may require trees left outside preservations areas to be removed if improperly protected or determined to be hazardous. E. Land Dedication : Land that is dedicated to the town that is part of the property being developed may be used towards the tree preservation requirement, if the dedicated land contains trees that meet the requirements above. 8.4.2. Tree Save Areas Trees survive the stress of construction best when they are left in stands or larger groupings. For that reason, it is encouraged that, wherever possible, the site should be designed and developed so that tree save areas (TSAs) are designated in a single, contiguous unit. In order to qualify for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this section, designated tree save areas must conform to the following standards: A. Minimum Dimensional Requirements : The extent of the Critical Root Zone (CRZ) of the tree or trees at the outer edges of the tree save area shall constitute the limits of construction for the purposes of this sub-section. The CRZ is the circular area of ground surrounding a tree extending from the center of tree to the greater of 1. 1.5 feet per caliper inch DBH of the tree, 2. The dripline (furthest extent of tree canopy) of the tree, or 3. 6 feet. B. Minimum Content Requirements : The TSA should contain, as determined by an informal site assessment, predominantly canopy tree species which are at least 2 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and a minimum of 10 feet in height. C. Maintenance & Ownership : When a TSA is established in association with the incentives as listed in this section, it should be designated, where possible, as a dedicated open space, or in a conservation easement. D. Tree Removal Inside Tree Save Areas : Trees that are in poor health or invasive, exotic species, as determined by the Administrator, may be removed from tree save areas. All tree removal within TSA must have prior approval by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of this section. However, in an emergency situation due to storm damage, or to alleviate an imminent hazard to the health, safety and welfare of the citizens, or to repair property damage, prior approval for tree removal in previously approved designated tree save areas is not required. E. Flexibility in Other Requirements : Flexibility in other design requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis to accommodate the establishment of a TSA. F. Tree Save Area Incentives : The following incentives are offered to encourage tree preservation in tree save areas.

Town of Wake Forest Unified Development Ordinance – July 19, 2022

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