Laserfiche WebLink
3 <br /> MAJ. CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE <br /> RELOCATION OF MATURE OAK TREES IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS- <br /> STAFF AUTHORITY TO ISSUE AFTER-THE-FACT TREE REMOVAL <br /> PERMITS <br /> Environmental & Code Enforcement Chief Roland DeBlois reviewed the <br /> memorandum using a PowerPoint outline for his presentation. He explained staff's role in <br /> reviewing development plans with respect to trees and plants. He reviewed our current tree <br /> relocation requirements and presented a comparison to Brevard and St.Lucie Counties'tree <br /> relocation requirements. He pointed out that transplanting success factors depend on age, <br /> health, timing, soil compatibility, pretreatment and post-treatment, and there are other <br /> considerations such as cost and legal concerns. He reviewed staff's recommendation to not <br /> amend the current tree protection ordinance but direct staff to develop an amendment that <br /> adds a replacement or preservation ratio for native trees >_12" dbh using a combination of <br /> Brevard and St.Lucie Counties'replacement/mitigation ratio requirements for reference and <br /> not require retention or relocation of all oak trees <12" dbh, but instead provide incentive <br /> for protection of mature oaks via a replacement. Also,staff recommends that the Board not <br /> change the ordinance with respect to Planning staff's review and approval of after-the-fact <br /> tree removal permits which became an issue subsequent to a reduction in fine after the <br /> development of the Palms of Vero. If the Board wishes to consider taking away the <br /> authority from the staff, then the Board needs to develop objectives and criteria based on <br /> fact and specific criteria, not emotion, in the particular issue. <br /> Commissioner Adams pointed out the developer(Palms of Vero)would have saved <br /> money by moving the trees, but the cost is insignificant compared to the value of the trees, <br /> which is priceless. There is a great public sentiment which favors saving our trees. She <br /> suggested there could be a"tree bank"on private or public property which could pay for the <br /> October 21, 2003 <br /> 21 Bft 12 6 PG 0 6 0 <br />