Bensalem, PA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Under Sec. 215-3 of the Bensalem Township Code, the Shade Tree Commission is authorized to prepare and adopt a street tree plan for all trees on or upon streets, highways, avenues, parks, parkways and other public areas of the Township, along with rules and regulations to carry out the chapter's purposes. That plan and any rules do not take effect until the Township Council of Bensalem Township approves the plan, and, for the rules and regulations, until they are advertised as required by law. Sec.

215-7 then places the planting obligation on private development: the Commission may adopt tree planting plans setting the types and varieties of trees to be planted along particular streets or in particular sections or building developments in the Township. Every developer, owner or builder who wants to build on a lot or parcel must plant the public highway or public walkway areas fronting that lot with the variety and number of trees, in the locations and proximity, that the Shade Tree Commission requires. The Code makes this a condition of occupancy: planting has to be completed before the occupancy permit is issued for the dwelling, house or building erected on the lot.

Chapter 215 also creates the three-member Shade Tree Commission itself (Sec. 215-1) and lets it appoint a Tree Warden from among its members or another Township resident (Sec. 215-2) to help administer these planting and street tree plan duties.