TO: Planning and Zoning Board
FROM: Robert Massarelli, AICP, Director of Development Services
DATE: October 1, 2019
Title
REGULATING THE PRUNING, TRIMMING, REMOVAL, OR REPLANTING OF, OR MITIGATION TO, A TREE ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY CODE AMENDMENTS
BACKGROUND: During the last legislative session the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1159 which was signed by the Governor. This bill prohibits a local government to require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property if the property owner obtains documentation from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree presents a danger to persons or property. In addition, the bill prohibits a local government from requiring a property owner to replant a tree that was pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with the above requirement.
Attached is a proposed ordinance that revises the City’s Code to be in compliance with the State statutes.
RECOMMENDATION: The staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Board, sittings as the Local Planning Agency, recommend to the City Commission approval of the attached ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONTACT PERSON: Robert Massarelli, AICP, Director of Development Services