Commission compiles comments on SALDO and Shade Tree Ordinance revisions to send to Planning Department

Palmer Township’s Shade Tree Commission reviewed proposed amendments to the subdivision and land development ordinance (SALDO) and a draft Shade Tree Ordinance on June 11 and agreed to compile and forward detailed comments to the Planning Department.

The SALDO discussion covered new definitions for street trees, consistency across ordinances, clarification of planting patterns versus species consistency, appropriate species selection for constrained planting spaces, utility conflicts and sidewalk considerations, species diversity requirements, tree preservation and stump removal standards, fee language, and enforcement language. The Commission agreed to prepare comments for incorporation into future drafts.

During the Shade Tree Ordinance review members discussed applicability to public street and shade trees, tree removal permit and replacement requirements, permit procedures and timelines, permit fees and administrative costs, enforcement mechanisms and fines, maintenance and clearance responsibilities, Tree City USA compliance requirements, and long-term implementation procedures. Members agreed that permit requirements and enforcement provisions should remain strong and that replacement trees should be required following unauthorized removals. Shannon Wisniewski said she will incorporate the Commission’s comments and continue refining the draft for Township administration and the Board of Supervisors.

Commissioners discussed next steps for presenting the revised Shade Tree Ordinance and obtaining direction from the Board of Supervisors.