§ 282-4. Permit required; exceptions.

A tree removal/land clearing permit must be applied for and received from the Township if performing activities as described under Subsection A of this section.

A. 

A tree removal/land clearing permit shall be required for the following:

(1) 

The removal or destruction of any regulated tree.

(2) 

Land clearing or grubbing within a woodland.

(3) 

New and replacement infrastructure.

B. 

A tree removal/land clearing permit is not required:

(1) 

For actions made necessary by an emergency, such as tornado, windstorm, flood, freeze or other natural disaster, in order to prevent injury or damage to persons or property, and where it would be contrary to the interest of the public, or to the health or safety of one or more persons, to defer cutting pending submission and processing of a permit application.

(2) 

Written notice must be given to the Township within five working days prior to conducting these activities:

(a) 

Tree removal in order to perform maintenance or repair of lawfully located roads, sewers, structures and facilities used in the service of the public to provide transportation, electric, gas, water, telephone, telecommunication, or other services on existing easements.

(b) 

To remove dead trees where the damage resulted from an accident or nonhuman cause.

(c) 

To remove dead, damaged or diseased trees.

(d) 

To thin woodland systems to foster growth of regulated trees.

(e) 

To remove up to two regulated trees in any twelve-month period excluding Michigan Big Trees.

(f) 

To avoid damage of existing primary and secondary structures.

(g) 

The removal of trees within exempt construction zones.

C. 

The permit shall contain the name and address of the property owner and/or the designee of the owner, the legal description and location of the property, and a site plan showing all regulated trees within 30 feet, or the lot line, whichever is less, of construction areas and identifying those regulated trees that are proposed for removal.

D. 

A tree location diagram will be required prior to an on-site examination made by the Township enforcement agent under the following conditions:

(1) 

Where a permit is requested to remove trees on a lot upon which is located an occupied one-family dwelling; or

(2) 

Where a permit is required to remove three or fewer trees.

E. 

Incomplete applications and/or tree replacement plans may not be accepted or reviewed by the Township.

F. 

Complete applications will be reviewed under the requirements described in § 282-5.

G. 

Individual residential lots shall be reviewed by the Township staff according to the requirements of § 282-5B.