Unified Development Ordinance - Currituck County Government

Chapter 7: Environmental ProtectionSECTION 7.2: TREE PROTECTIONSubsection 7.2.3: Protection of Heritage TreesC. ExemptionsThe following tree removal activities are exempt from the standards of this section:(1) The removal of dead or naturally fallen trees;(2) The removal of diseased trees posing a threat to adjacent trees;(3) The selective and limited removal of trees or vegetation necessary to obtainclear visibility within sight distance triangles;(4) Removal of trees on developed single-family residential lots or lots within asingle-family residential subdivision platted prior to January 1, 2013;(5) Land-disturbing activities and tree removal in accordance with a site plan,preliminary plat, or building permit approved after January 1, 2013;(6) Removal of trees as necessary to maintain safe operations at the CurrituckCounty Airport;(7) Land-disturbing activities and tree removal on unbuildable lands;(8) The removal of vegetation by public or private agencies within the lines of anyright-of-way, easement, or other county-owned lands as may be necessary toensure public safety; and(9) Land disturbing activities undertaken on land under agricultural, horticultural,or forest production and taxed at present-use value in accordance withSections 105-277.2 through 277.7 of the North Carolina General Statutes.7.2.3. Protection of Heritage TreesA. Heritage Trees Defined(1) For the purposes of this section, “heritage trees” shall include all existing LiveOak (Quercus Virginiana) with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of eightinches or greater, as well as all other existing trees with a DBH of 18 inchesor greater.(2) Some trees, regardless of their size, shall not be considered as heritage trees.These trees include:(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)Southern yellow pine;Bradford pear;Mulberry;Sweet gum; andSilver maple.B. Procedure for the Establishment of a Tree Protection Zone(1) Tree Inventory RequiredPrior to any tree clearing, development work, or land disturbing activity, theowner of land subject to this section shall prepare and submit an inventory ofheritage trees on the development site, subject to the following requirements:(a)CURRITUCK COUNTY, NC UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCEGeneralThe inventory shall identify all existing, healthy heritage trees on thedevelopment site. Known dead or diseased heritage trees shall be7.7