Minor-subdivision committee approves flag-lot plan for 179 Cedar Grove Lane subject to tree, stormwater and TRC conditions

The planning board reported that its minor-subdivision committee approved a flag-lot subdivision application for 179 Cedar Grove Lane and recommended the application subject to conditions tied to the township tree and stormwater ordinances.

The committee’s conditions require the applicant to adhere to the limit-of-disturbance line shown on the submitted plan so that a large portion of the rear yard remains undisturbed. Committee members said the applicant must comply with the township tree ordinance and the stormwater ordinance; any tree removal or additional disturbance beyond the approved limit will trigger obligations under the tree ordinance (on-site replanting or payment-in-lieu) when the applicant seeks building permits.

Mark Dancy, who reported on the committee’s work, said dry wells and other features might require minor plan changes but the committee decided to hold the applicant to the submitted limit of disturbance; if the applicant needs more disturbance to build, the committee said the applicant must return to the minor-subdivision committee. "If they disturb anymore, they're gonna either have to comply with either payment in lieu or replanting on-site," a board member summarized during the discussion.

The board noted the minor-subdivision committee had authority to approve the matter and that the full board was being informed of the committee’s action. No new zoning or plan amendments were adopted at the meeting; committee conditions must be addressed at the building-permit stage and in any TRC (technical review committee) requirements.

The board also noted the environmental commission had commented that the submitted plan did not fully describe tree removal and replacement; the planning staff said the applicant will have to address those items later in the permit process.