A.
The Smithfield Town Council hereby finds that the substantial clearing
of vegetative cover on parcels can result in the degradation of visual
quality of the Town and can cause significant environmental harm and
that the burying of tree stumps can result in the development of hazardous
conditions. Therefore, the Town hereby establishes the following procedures
for review and approval of land clearing operations, appropriate disposal
of tree stumps/stems, criteria for exemptions from these provisions
and penalties for violations.
B.
The purposes for these regulations are:
(1)
To preserve existing trees located upon sites that function as future
buffers and streetscapes to meet development plan requirements;
(2)
To promote land development practices that result in a minimal disturbance
to trees and soils;
(3)
To minimize surface water and groundwater runoff and diversion;
(4)
To minimize the need for additional storm drainage facilities;
(5)
To preserve and enhance Smithfield's physical and aesthetic
character by preventing untimely and indiscriminate removal or destruction
of trees;
(6)
To maintain property values;
(7)
To reduce sedimentation in the streams, lakes, rivers, storm sewer
systems, and waterways;
(8)
To ensure prompt development, restoration and replanting and effective
erosion control of property after land clearing and mass grading;
(9)
To protect fish, wildlife and their habitats and promote the retention
and restoration of forests; and
(10)
To ensure that no tree stumps/stems are buried on any property
in the Town of Smithfield.