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n ORDINANCE 2004-041
AN ORDINANCE OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA AMENDING CHAPTERS 901, 912, 926,
AND 927 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDRS) RELATING TO TREE
PROTECTION AND LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS; REVISING DEFINITIONS OF
"PROTECTED" AND "SPECIMEN" TREES; STRENGTHENING SPECIMEN TREE PROTECTION
REQUIREMENTS; REQUIRING A 2 TO 1 REPLACEMENT RATIO FOR THE REMOVAL OF
HARDWOOD TREES 12 INCHES OR MORE IN DIAMETER; REQUIRING TREE REMOVAL
PERMITS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS MORE THAN 1/4 ACRE IN SIZE; INCREASING
PENALTIES AND FINES FOR ILLEGAL VEGETATION REMOVAL; REQUIRING TWO CANOPY
TREES ON NEWLY DEVELOPED SINGLE-FAMILY LOTS, AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF
CONFLICTING PROVISIONS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE INDIAN RIVER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
THAT THE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDRS) BE AMENDED AS
FOLLOWS:
1. SECTION 901.03, DEFINITIONS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, OF CHAPTER 901, DEFINITIONS, IS
HEREBY AMENDED TO READ AS FOLLOWS.
Tree, protected any tree having a diameter -at -breast -height (dbh) of four (4) inches or more, but not including
"specimen trees." less than *,..or+ . f (24) inehes. Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) with 10 feet or more of clear
trunk, regardless of dbh, are protected trees. Protected trees This shall also include each tree, regardless of the dbh
of the individual tree, within a significant grouping of trees of West Indian or tropical origin. The following trees,
regardless of size or location and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list
of Invasive Species, shall not be considered to be protected trees:
Casuarina spp. eunninghafni —Australian pine
Enterolobium cyclocarpum — Earpod
Melia azedarch — Chinaberry
Schinus terebinthifolius — Brazilian pepper tree
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
Cupania anacardioides - Carrotwood
Gabbai4e palms ia„b„' .'m etto` andCitrus trees of all varieties shall not be considered protected trees_ ,' it sue
—
tFees shall be ineluded in the tFee sufvey in the event the applieant 60hooses to make tise of said tfees as a er-
Tree, specimen a tree that is in good health and sound structural condition and is a species with "wh -g s a
diameter -at -breast -height (dbh) as follows: oftwert., f (24) inehes oeater e "'"`""^ hosArevef, the
f ii,.:. ing .,,.moss Of SiZe OF i,,ea fi,,,,.
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
Large trees; >12" Bursera simaruba — gumbo limbo
dbh Liquidambar styraciflua - sweetgum
Nessa spp. — sourug m, tupelo
Quercus virginiana — live oak
Quercus hemisphaerica — laurel oak
Quercus laurifolia — diamond leaf oak
Quercus nigra — water oak
Taxodium spp. — cypress
Medium trees, Acer spp — maple
>9" dbh Celtis laevigata — sugarberry
Persea boronia — red bay
Gordonia lasianthus — loblolly bay
Magnolia virginiana — sweetbay
Ilex spp. — holly
Morus rubra — red mulberry
Persea palustris — swamp bay
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis — Hercules club
Small trees, >5" Bumelia tenax — tough bumelia
dbh Carlfloridana — scrub hickory
Coccoloba uvi era - seagrape
Eugenia spp. — stopper
Forestiera segregata — Florida privet
Myrcianthes fragrans var. simpsonii — Simpson
stopper
Quercus chapmanii — Chapman oak
Quercus geminata — Sand live oak
Quercus mLrtifolia — myrtle oak
Zanthox lumfagara — wild lime
Any hardwood tree not listed herein that has a dbh of 9 inches or greater and is in good health and sound
structural condition is deemed a specimen tree; excluding however, the following_ trees regardless of size or
location and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list of Invasive Species:
Casuarina spp. ewinifighafniana —Australian pine
Casuarina lepidephifia tist+alia r
Enterolobium cyclocarpum — Earpod
Melia azedarch — Chinaberry
Schinus terebinthifolius — Brazilian pepper tree
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
Cupania anacardioides - Carrotwood
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17 Comm tnity [)evelopinen. [!5�.rs\RC}LAND11 DI927 I,ec (h -d tCviSw'j'0O0 Z0( I rz;e Om_t)O�-_t.i-+:.disc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
2. CHAPTER 927, TREE PROTECTION AND LAND CLEARING, IS HEREBY AMENDED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS.
Chapter 927. Tree Protection and Land Clearing
Sec. 927.01.
Short title.
Section
927.01.
Short
title.
See. 927.02.
Applicability,
Sec. 927.03.
Purpose and
intent.
Sec. 927.04.
Definitions
referenced.
Sec. 927.05.
General prohibitions.
Sec. 927.06.
Exemptions.
Sec. 927.07.
Permits
issuance.
available;
criteria governing
Sec. 927.08.
Reserved.
Sec. 927.09.
Additional
dune
and shoreline
vegetation
protection.
Sec. 927.10.
Additional
upland
native vegetation
protection.
Sec. 927.11.
Application
procedure
and fees.
Sec. 927.12.
Determination
of critical root
zone.
Sec. 927.13.
Local permit
not
exclusive.
Sec. 927.14.
Open burning/air
curtain incinerator
regulations referenced.
Sec. 927.15.
Variances
and administrative
appeals.
Sec. 927.16.
Tree protection
as justification
for
variance
relief
from
other land
development
regulations.
Section
927.17
Penalties
and enforcement.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Indian River County Tree Protection and Land Clearing
Ordinance."
Section
927.01.
Short
title.
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Indian River County Tree Protection and Land Clearing
Ordinance."
This chapter shall be applicable to all land lying in the unincorporated area of Indian River County, Florida.
This chapter shall not apply to the following species of mangroves: '�
; ^ T ~, +h a4mg, , :w ri :r^ „^, refflev ' ^r other
Management Distr-iet and these aetions W I . efmits from one of these ageneies.
Avicennia germinans - black mangrove
Rhizophora mangle - red mangrove
Laguncularia racemosa - white mangrove
The trimming cutting removal and other similar actions affecting mangroves are regulated by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and/or the St. Johns River Water Management District, and these actions. ma�require permits
from one of these agencies,
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Section
927.02. Applicability.
This chapter shall be applicable to all land lying in the unincorporated area of Indian River County, Florida.
This chapter shall not apply to the following species of mangroves: '�
; ^ T ~, +h a4mg, , :w ri :r^ „^, refflev ' ^r other
Management Distr-iet and these aetions W I . efmits from one of these ageneies.
Avicennia germinans - black mangrove
Rhizophora mangle - red mangrove
Laguncularia racemosa - white mangrove
The trimming cutting removal and other similar actions affecting mangroves are regulated by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection and/or the St. Johns River Water Management District, and these actions. ma�require permits
from one of these agencies,
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
(1) Provide standards for the protection of trees and native vegetation as part of the land development
process; and
(2) Prevent large-scale land clearing without provision for the preservation of protected trees, specimen
trees, coastal hammocks, and other native vegetation; and
(3) Protect trees and native vegetation during construction to increase the trees' and vegetation's
probability for their long-term health and survival; and
(4) Provide for the replacement of tree canopy removed as a result of the construction process, whether the
tree canopy replacement occurs on site or at another location.
Section 927.04. Definitions referenced.
The definitions of certain terms used in this chapter are set forth in Chapter 901, Definitions, of the Indian River
Land Development Code. Notwithstanding the following definitions of "protected tree" and "specimen tree" (reiterated in
Chapter 90 1) apply to this ordinance.
Tree protected: any tree having a diameter -at -breast -height (dbh) of four (4) inches or more, but not including
"specimen trees." . Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) with 10 feet or more of clear
trunk regardless of dbh are protected trees. Protected trees shall also include each tree, regardless of the dbh of
the individual tree within a significant grouping of trees of West Indian or tropical origin. The following trees,
regardless of size or location and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list
of Invasive Species, shall not be considered to be protected trees:
Casuarina spp. — Australian pine
asuu a-lep
Enterolobium cyclocarpum — Earpod
Melia azedarch — Chinaberry
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Section 927.03.
Intent
and
purpose.
The
pur-pose
of this
ehaptef
is
to
pr-evide for- the pr-eteetion
and
pr-esernvratien
of
tfees and 3vegetatien within
Indian
AjhPr- .,,.',IAble
v�getation
The intent
of
this Chapter is to preserve
and
protect
trees
and
native vegetation in
It is intent
this
unincorporated
Indian
River
County
during
the land development
and
construction
process
also the of
Chapter to
ensure
that
the
health
of preserved
trees and native
vegetation
will
be
maintained.
Trees
for their
importance
in:
reducing noise and
wind;
and
native
vegetation
are
recognized
shading;
cooling;
preventing
soil
erosion;
producing
oxygen;
filtering dust; absorbing
carbon
dioxide;
enhancing
aesthetics;
and
increasing
the
economic
value
of real
Trees
also contribute
to
the
well-being
and
quality
of
life
in
Indian
River
property.
general
County.
To
preservation
achieve
of
trees
the objectives
to prevent
listed
the reduction
above the County deems
of the existing
it necessary
tree canopy,
and
to
to
provide
prevent
for the protection and
the unnecessary removal
of trees
The
this
is
to:
and other
native
vegetation.
purpose
of ordinance
(1) Provide standards for the protection of trees and native vegetation as part of the land development
process; and
(2) Prevent large-scale land clearing without provision for the preservation of protected trees, specimen
trees, coastal hammocks, and other native vegetation; and
(3) Protect trees and native vegetation during construction to increase the trees' and vegetation's
probability for their long-term health and survival; and
(4) Provide for the replacement of tree canopy removed as a result of the construction process, whether the
tree canopy replacement occurs on site or at another location.
Section 927.04. Definitions referenced.
The definitions of certain terms used in this chapter are set forth in Chapter 901, Definitions, of the Indian River
Land Development Code. Notwithstanding the following definitions of "protected tree" and "specimen tree" (reiterated in
Chapter 90 1) apply to this ordinance.
Tree protected: any tree having a diameter -at -breast -height (dbh) of four (4) inches or more, but not including
"specimen trees." . Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) with 10 feet or more of clear
trunk regardless of dbh are protected trees. Protected trees shall also include each tree, regardless of the dbh of
the individual tree within a significant grouping of trees of West Indian or tropical origin. The following trees,
regardless of size or location and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list
of Invasive Species, shall not be considered to be protected trees:
Casuarina spp. — Australian pine
asuu a-lep
Enterolobium cyclocarpum — Earpod
Melia azedarch — Chinaberry
-4-
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k':�Conzmunity [)e�ei{apt ent CJ crs\R{)L �ti[�\I 13E .92% i sc(:Ord icF� �c,nt"Ott_-2�?;)�'.Ii x Ord 20 � t!4 .doc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
Schinus terebinthifolius — Brazilian pepper tree
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
Cupania anacardioides - Carrotwood
Gabba)4e 3^lms «aba' igalme"e` and. Citrus trees of all varieties shall not be considered protected trees.
Large trees, >12"
Bursera simaruba — gumbo limbo
dbh
Liquidambar styraciflua - sweetgum
Tree specimen a tree
Nessa spp. — sour gum, tupelo
that is in good
health and sound
structural
Quercus hemisphaerica — laurel oak
condition
and is a species
with a diameter -at
-
breast
follows:
Medium trees, >9"
Acer spp — maple
-height
Celtis laeviQata — su arg berry
(dbh) as
Gordonia lasianthus — loblolly ba
Magnolia virginiana — sweetbay
Large trees, >12"
Bursera simaruba — gumbo limbo
dbh
Liquidambar styraciflua - sweetgum
Nessa spp. — sour gum, tupelo
Quercus virjZiniana — live oak
Quercus hemisphaerica — laurel oak
Quercus laurifolia — diamond leaf oak
Quercus nigra — water oak
Taxodium spp. — cypress
Medium trees, >9"
Acer spp — maple
dbh
Celtis laeviQata — su arg berry
Persea boronia — red bay
Gordonia lasianthus — loblolly ba
Magnolia virginiana — sweetbay
Ilex spp. — holly
Morus rubra — red mulberry
Persea palustris —swamp bay
Zanthoxylum clava-herculis — Hercules club
Small trees, >5"
Bumelia tenax — tough bumelia
dbh,
Caga floridana — scrub hickory
Coccoloba uvifera - seagrape
Eugenia spp. — stopper
Forestiera sejzreQata — Florida privet
Myrcianthes fraerans var. simpsonii — Simpson
stopper
Quercus chapmanii — Chapman oak
Quercus Qeminata — Sand live oak
Quercus myrti olia — myrtle oak
Zanthoxylum fagara — wild lime
Any hardwood tree not listed herein that has a dbh of 9 inches or greater and is in good health and sound
structural condition is deemed a specimen tree; excluding however, the following trees regardless of size or
location and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list of Invasive Species:
Casuarina gip. — Australian pine
Gasu.aa lei3i eiA.i i nista l' r „
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FAC'onnnunity, Dcvc1opnen Users 01AMY.I I>R':9 1 Qe 0rd c,isions ?0 Wr}0 11 cc Ord3=iC;1 ti ;.dcc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
Enterolobium
cyclocarpum
— Earpod
Melia azedarch
— Chinaberry
927.05.
General
Schinus
terebinthifolius
—
Brazilian pepper tree
Melaleuca
quinquenervia
-
Melaleuca,
punk
or paper
tree
Cupania
anacardioides
-
Carrotwood
Unless expressly exempted herein, it shall be unlawful and subject to the penalties provided herein for any person
directly or indirectly by another on his behalf to:
(1) Remove, relocate, destroy or damage any protected tree or specimen tree (as defined in Chapter- °n" on any
site or tract without first obtaining a tree removal permit pursuant to this chapter.
(2) Perform any land -clearing or grubbing unless a land -clearing permit, if required, has been issued and is posted
on-site pursuant to this chapter.
(3) Perform tree removal, land -clearing, grubbing, grading, excavation, construction, or make or install
any improvement upon any site or tract, regardless of the existence of valid permits or approvals for the given
activity, unless each protected tree and each specimen tree to be preserved pursuant to this chapter has been
marked by a highly visible band and unless all critical root zones established pursuant to this chapter have
been surrounded by a protective barrier prior to the beginning of development activities. The protective barrier
must remain in place throughout the duration of clearing and development activities.
(4) Encroach onto critical 'root zones established pursuant to this chapter by any of the following acts or
omissions:
(a) Movement or storage of any vehicle within or across a critical root zone;
(b) The storage of building materials, debris, fill, soil or any other matter within a critical root zone;
(c) The cleaning of material or equipment within a critical root zone;
(d) The disposal of any liquid or solid waste material, such as paints, oils, solvents, asphalt, concrete,
mortar, or other similarly harmful materials, s;v,..ilaf'..h.,,-,. ful within a critical root zone; and
(e) The placement of any structure or site improvement within a tree's critical root zone, with the
exception of landscaping or related irrigation improvements, unless expressly determined by
environmental planning staff that such structure or site improvement will not result in the death or
damage to the subject tree. In making this determination, environmental planning staff shall
consider, but is not limited to, the following information which shall be provided by the
landowner or applicant:
1. The type of proposed impact.
2. The amount area of the CRZ to be affected.
3. The location of the impact area within the CRZ; and
4. The efforts or actions to be taken to reduce or eliminate impacts to the tree.
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FACommunit; C>evek>p�neit. [!y ,�s',Rt)I,1tiD 11AA37 "I roe Card revisions 20(} -�i)r, 11. Or ?pCly-(i' _.doc
Section
927.05.
General
prohibitions.
Unless expressly exempted herein, it shall be unlawful and subject to the penalties provided herein for any person
directly or indirectly by another on his behalf to:
(1) Remove, relocate, destroy or damage any protected tree or specimen tree (as defined in Chapter- °n" on any
site or tract without first obtaining a tree removal permit pursuant to this chapter.
(2) Perform any land -clearing or grubbing unless a land -clearing permit, if required, has been issued and is posted
on-site pursuant to this chapter.
(3) Perform tree removal, land -clearing, grubbing, grading, excavation, construction, or make or install
any improvement upon any site or tract, regardless of the existence of valid permits or approvals for the given
activity, unless each protected tree and each specimen tree to be preserved pursuant to this chapter has been
marked by a highly visible band and unless all critical root zones established pursuant to this chapter have
been surrounded by a protective barrier prior to the beginning of development activities. The protective barrier
must remain in place throughout the duration of clearing and development activities.
(4) Encroach onto critical 'root zones established pursuant to this chapter by any of the following acts or
omissions:
(a) Movement or storage of any vehicle within or across a critical root zone;
(b) The storage of building materials, debris, fill, soil or any other matter within a critical root zone;
(c) The cleaning of material or equipment within a critical root zone;
(d) The disposal of any liquid or solid waste material, such as paints, oils, solvents, asphalt, concrete,
mortar, or other similarly harmful materials, s;v,..ilaf'..h.,,-,. ful within a critical root zone; and
(e) The placement of any structure or site improvement within a tree's critical root zone, with the
exception of landscaping or related irrigation improvements, unless expressly determined by
environmental planning staff that such structure or site improvement will not result in the death or
damage to the subject tree. In making this determination, environmental planning staff shall
consider, but is not limited to, the following information which shall be provided by the
landowner or applicant:
1. The type of proposed impact.
2. The amount area of the CRZ to be affected.
3. The location of the impact area within the CRZ; and
4. The efforts or actions to be taken to reduce or eliminate impacts to the tree.
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FACommunit; C>evek>p�neit. [!y ,�s',Rt)I,1tiD 11AA37 "I roe Card revisions 20(} -�i)r, 11. Or ?pCly-(i' _.doc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
As Itto a a * f. atior by ental planning -s The landowner or applicant
may supply to environmental planning staff a written and signed statement from a certified arborist
that states to the best of his/her knowledge arab '�es that the proposed structure or site
improvement will not result in the death or damage to the subject tree. In such instances,
environmental planning staff will consider the certified arborist statement, along with the required
information to determine whether the proposed encroachment into the CRZ will be allowed.
(5) Violate or fail to observe any of the requirements or provisions set forth in section 932.05 of Chapter 932,
Coastal Management, pertaining to the protection of dune and shoreline vegetation.
(6) Violate or fail to observe any of the requirements or provisions set forth in Chapter 929, Upland Habitat
Protection, pertaining to the protection of native plant communities.
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mangrove, dune vegetation, specimen er historic tree, or upland native plant community conservation area, unless
otherwise stated below. In the event the exemppted activity ever becomes subject to an enforcement proceeding, the burden
of proving entitlement to the arry particular exemption shall lie with the person claiming use of the exemption, - tee evenn
the exempted aefivit even-bceemessubjeet to an enfefeement pr -e
(1) The removal, trimming, pruning, or alteration of any non -protected tree, non -specimen tree, or other
vegetation as necessary for:
(a) The clearing of a path not to exceed four (4) feet in width to provide physical access or view
necessary to conduct a survey of or site examination for the preparation of subdivision plans, site
plans, or trees surveys. Under this permit exemption no disturbance shall occur to protected trees or
specimen trees or to the critical root zones of protected trees or specimen trees.
(b) The clearing of a path not to exceed ten (10) feet in width to provide vehicular access necessary to
conduct soil percolation and/or soil bore tests on a property, provided such clearing or removal is
conducted under the direction of a Florida registered surveyor or engineer. Under this permit
exemption no disturbance shall occur to protected trees or specimen trees, or to the critical root zones
of protected trees or specimen trees.
(c) The removal pruning trimming or alteration of any tree not classified as protected or specimen, or
vegetation for the purpose of maintaining existing access to a property.
(2) Routine landscape maintenance such as trimming or pruning of protected trees, specimen trees, or other
vegetations ..-hie, aeon not result iii the even ,ual death of the plants, mowing of yards or lawns, or
undertaking any other landscaping or gardening activity which is commonly recognized as routine
maintenance or replacement.
(3) The removal, trimming, pruning or alteration of any er protected trees, specimen trees, or other
vegetation in an existing utility easement or right-of-way, provided such work is done by or under the control
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I ACommunity DeFdopmen' Uscrs,it(>1.AND 1 [)Ryv; 1 -cc -Ord �c�>>io�rs,>CIu., 20tr i��e C)�<:Alec
Section 927.06.
Exemptions.
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mangrove, dune vegetation, specimen er historic tree, or upland native plant community conservation area, unless
otherwise stated below. In the event the exemppted activity ever becomes subject to an enforcement proceeding, the burden
of proving entitlement to the arry particular exemption shall lie with the person claiming use of the exemption, - tee evenn
the exempted aefivit even-bceemessubjeet to an enfefeement pr -e
(1) The removal, trimming, pruning, or alteration of any non -protected tree, non -specimen tree, or other
vegetation as necessary for:
(a) The clearing of a path not to exceed four (4) feet in width to provide physical access or view
necessary to conduct a survey of or site examination for the preparation of subdivision plans, site
plans, or trees surveys. Under this permit exemption no disturbance shall occur to protected trees or
specimen trees or to the critical root zones of protected trees or specimen trees.
(b) The clearing of a path not to exceed ten (10) feet in width to provide vehicular access necessary to
conduct soil percolation and/or soil bore tests on a property, provided such clearing or removal is
conducted under the direction of a Florida registered surveyor or engineer. Under this permit
exemption no disturbance shall occur to protected trees or specimen trees, or to the critical root zones
of protected trees or specimen trees.
(c) The removal pruning trimming or alteration of any tree not classified as protected or specimen, or
vegetation for the purpose of maintaining existing access to a property.
(2) Routine landscape maintenance such as trimming or pruning of protected trees, specimen trees, or other
vegetations ..-hie, aeon not result iii the even ,ual death of the plants, mowing of yards or lawns, or
undertaking any other landscaping or gardening activity which is commonly recognized as routine
maintenance or replacement.
(3) The removal, trimming, pruning or alteration of any er protected trees, specimen trees, or other
vegetation in an existing utility easement or right-of-way, provided such work is done by or under the control
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I ACommunity DeFdopmen' Uscrs,it(>1.AND 1 [)Ryv; 1 -cc -Ord �c�>>io�rs,>CIu., 20tr i��e C)�<:Alec
ORDINANCE 2004-041
of the operating utility company and said company has received all necessary licenses or permits to provide
utility service within the easement.
Any activity conducted by a lawfully operating and bona fide commercial nursery, tree farm, agricultural
operation, silvicultural operation, ranch, or similar operation, when the activity occurs on the property owned
or lawfully occupied by the person conducting said activity and is done in pursuit of said activity. This
exemption shall include the purposeful removal of a tree or trees for their permanent relocation at another site
undergoing development. When land -clearing or tree removal has been performed under this exemption based
upon the use of the property for an agricultural or silvicultural operation, the following shall apply:
(a) No land development order shall be approved for any non-agricultural or non-silvicultural use or
improvement on the same site within two (2) years of the completion of such land clearing or tree
removal.
(b) Pertaining to silviculture, operations aro er,.e agedto shall implement a State Division of
Forestry approved management plan, including a reforestation plan for harvested lands.
(c) Pertaining to agriculture, operations aro enee,, agedto shall implement a Soil and Water
Conservation District approved conservation plan, including the use of Best Management
Practices, as applicable to the specific area being cleared.
The removal of any protected tree, specimen tree, or other tree which has been destroyed or damaged beyond
saving, or which constitutes an immediate peril to life or property_ r other- tfees, fRa be fe ffi Vee Wifl ^"+
pe
Tree removal land clearing or grubbing of M vegetation, including protected trees and specimen trees, but
not including mangroves or dune vegetation, within ten (10) feet of a house.
T -Fee r-emeNral Land -clearing or grubbing of any vegetation, except for protected trees, specimen trees,
mangroves, of dune vegetation, or any native vegetation in a conservation easement, upon any detached
single-family residential lot or parcel of land having an area of one (1.0) acre or less, provided this exemption
shall not be construed to allow land -clearing; or grubbing, or- t fee fe , val without permit of on any such lot
or parcel by its subdivider unless the subdivider intends in good faith to forthwith begin construction of a
dwelling unit or units upon said lot. Advertisement or listing for sale of the particular lot or parcel without the
dwelling unit shall create a presumption that the subdivider does not intend to forthwith begin such
construction and that the intent is for the lot or parcel to be developed by a subsequent purchaser.
Tree removal except for mangroves or- dune vegetation, or native trees in a conservation easement, upon any
detached single-family residential lot or parcel of land having an area of 1/4 acre (10,890 square feet) or less,
provided this exemption shall not be construed to allow tree removal without permit on any such lot or parcel
by its subdivider unless the subdivider intends in good faith to forthwith begin construction of a dwelling unit
or units upon said lot. Advertisement or listing for sale of the particular lot or parcel without the dwelling unit
shall create a presumption that the subdivider does not intend to forthwith begin such construction and that
the intent is for the lot or parcel to be developed by a subsequent purchaser.
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ORDINANCE 2004=041
Section 927.07. Permits available; criteria governing issuance.
(1) [Generally.] The following permits shall be available upon proper application to the community
development department and compliance with this chapter: tree removal permit; land -clearing permit; and dune vegetation
maintenance permit.
(2) Criteria governing issuance:
(a) Tree removal permit. No tree removal permit shall be issued unless the reviewing environmental planner finds
that at least one of the following criteria has been satisfied with respect to each protected tree and each
specimen tree designated for removal under the permit. Notwithstanding, No historic tree (as defined in
Chapter 901) shall be removed except as expressly approved by the board of county commissioners.
1. That the tree is located within an existing or proposed right-of-way, and the tree's location would
unreasonably interfere with the physical construction of improvements within the right-of-way.
2. That the tree is located within an existing or proposed easement; or stormwater management tract,
provided that only the fni i eeessafy for- the eentemplated sefviee or- tise shall be e.ensider-ed.
„rao this e- *er ^r and the tree's location would unreasonably interfere with the physical construction of
the improvements within the easement or stormwater tract.
3. That the tfee is leeated wher-e its eentinued existenee would unfeasenably interfere with the physieal
the site by eenstT-uetiea equipment, or- with the opefation of the equipment on the site in the iffimediate.
3. That the tree is located where it creates or will create a safety or health hazard and there is no
reasonable alternative to relocate or reconfigure the improvements. of a nuisan^o with resp, .t to e-xist;r^
IM
feasible altemative;
4. That the tree is located where it interferes with the installation,deliver.. ^r maintenance of proposed or -
existing utility services to the site.
TL t t1 o t a;so so l o l air^or ^Ffailing-.
5. That the tree is located on a portion of the a site to be used for construction of required parking areas or
vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress areas, ; provided that, when this er- to.;^r ; ed to ; ,sti f
imufn (4) ; ehes a;,..,,oto,. at breast height (dbh)_
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
7. That the tree is located on a portion of the site where structural development is proposed, provided all
reasonable effort has been made to preserve protected trees and specimen trees to the extent feasible
under this criterion. With respect to preservation efforts, "reasonable effort" shall include, but not be
limited to: altering building design; relocating buildings parking areas, water retention areas, or drainage
pipes; micro -siting buildings or improvements; or relocating utilities. The term "reasonable effort" shall
not be construed as including the alternative of not implementing the project in some form, nor shall it be
construed as requiring a project that is significantly different in type or function. A reasonable effort that
is not technically capable of being done or is not economically viable, or which adversely affects public
safety ugh the endangerment of lives or properly is not considered "practicable." A reasonable effort
need not provide the highest and best use of a property to be "practicable." In determining whether a
reasonable effort is practicable consideration shall also be given to the cost or result of the effort
compared to the environmental benefit and/or aesthetic value the effort achieves. If, after all reasonable
efforts have been made to save protected and specimen trees it is necessary to remove the trees, a permit
to remove the tree(s) may be issued.
(b) Land -clearing permit. No land -clearing permit shall be issued unless the environmental planner finds that
each of the following criteria has been satisfied:
That the land clearing or grubbing is necessary in order to make site improvements authorized by
an approved site plan, subdivision approval, building permit, or land development permit, and
that the area to be cleared is the minimum necessary for such work, or-, In the event the
aforementioned approvals are not required by law for the intended use of the property, that the
proposed clearing is shall be the minimum necessary for the proposed use or improvement. Land
clearing or grubbing of a site associated with a proposed development plan (e.g., site plan or
subdivision preliminary plat) shall not be allowed to occur prior to county approval of the
applicable development plan, except as specifically exempt in section 927.06.
2. That the applicant has provided a reasonable, written plan to control erosion .e that may -be
e*peted to occur as a result of the proposed clearing or grubbing. The plan shall incorporate
some or all of the following means; as ,7eto,-.,-.ine by the .,..,..'ieap+: temporary seeding and
mulching, sodding, diversion berms, interceptor ditches, sediment barriers, sediment basins, and
related appurtenances or devices. All provisions of an erosion control plan shall be incorporated
as expressed conditions of the issued land -clearing permit, issued and A violation of the
conditions or provisions of the plan shall be considered a violation of this chapter and subject to
all enforcement provisions. Environmental planning staff may request written elaboration of a
proposed plan prior to issuance of a permit in order to clarify the nature and design of measures
intended by the applicant.
That the applicant has provided verification of St. John River Water Management District
(SJRWMD) approval or exemption regarding the proposed land clearing or grubbing activity.
4. That the applicant has or is complying with all tree protection provisions contained elsewhere in
this chapter.
A land -clearing permit does not authorize the removal or destruction of protected trees or specimen trees. of
i ister-ie tfees Notwithstanding anything in section 927.07 to the contrary, no tree removal or land -clearing permit
shall be construed to authorize any act with respect to a mangrove.
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
(c) Dune vegetation maintenance permit. Permits to trim dune vegetation shall be available upon proper
application in accordance with section 932.06(11) of Chapter 932, Coastal Management, which conditions
shall govern use of the permit. No permits shall be issued for the removal of any native vegetation oceanward
of the county dune stabilization setback line (DSSL), with the exception of permits associated with projects
approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and when or permits associated
with a plans for dune revegetation and maintenance, as approved by county environmental planning staff and
FDEP, as applicable.
Section 927.08. Reserved.
Editors Note: Ord. No. 2002-030, § 2, adopted Nov. 12, 2002, repealed § 927.08, which pertained to additional
mangrove protection. See the Table of Amendments.
Section 927.09. Additional dune and shoreline vegetation protection.
In addition to the provisions of this chapter, dune and shoreline vegetation shall be protected from disturbance in
accordance with the provisions of section 932.06, Chapter 932, Coastal Management, of the County Land Development
Code.
Section 927.10. Additional upland native vegetation protection.
In addition to the requirements of this chapter, Chapter 929, Upland Habitat Protection, of the County Land
Development Code provides standards and criteria relating to the protection of native plant communities. in additionto
the provisions of this ehap No land clearing or tree removal activity permitted under this chapter shall be allowed to
conflict with the p-^.,:s;on ^ Chapter 929 requirements, including:
(1)
Provisions pei4aiaing to Conserving 15 percent of upland native plant communities, eensefvatiea
applicable to property five (5) acres or larger in size;
(2) Provisions establishing ^ Establishing shoreline vegetation protection buffer zones along the St. Sebastian
River and the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve;
(3) P -ovis ens requiring the Removiag of nuisance exotic vegetation from development sites; and
(4) Restricting the removal of upland native vegetation contributing to the stabilization of the
banks of canals, ditches, or natural watercourse, provided such restrictions do not impede maintenance of
such watercourses or drainage courses.
Application for issuance of any permit required by this chapter shall be made in writing to the community
development department on an application form provided by environmental planning staff. The following
information shall be required as part of the application: The f f. shall ,.eq est all in f ,-mation neeessafy to
(a) A statement as to the applicant's interest in the property, proof of ownership, and agent authorization
from the property owner, as applicable.
Mf!
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Section 927.11.
Application
procedure
and fees.
Application for issuance of any permit required by this chapter shall be made in writing to the community
development department on an application form provided by environmental planning staff. The following
information shall be required as part of the application: The f f. shall ,.eq est all in f ,-mation neeessafy to
(a) A statement as to the applicant's interest in the property, proof of ownership, and agent authorization
from the property owner, as applicable.
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
(b) A legal description of the property and a boundary survey or accurate scaled drawing thereof.
(c) A tree survey indicating which protected trees and specimen trees are intended for removal, relocation
or alteration in any way and those which will be left undisturbed. The tree survey shall be submitted
to the environmental planner with the initial application for site plan or subdivision review, as the
case ma's On sites which are larger than two (2.0) acres, protected trees and specimen trees may
be depicted as a group or cluster rather than as individual trees, provided the group or cluster is one
which is to be either- entirely om eve o~ left entirely undisturbed. A written explanation shall be
included with the tree survey ,moo- hie that identifies those criteria in section 927.07 of this chapter
which justify issuance of the requested permit. In addition, the environmental planner may require
tree surveys in specific, target areas.
In addition to the standard tree survey described above, a survey of species of special concern,
threatened, or endangered species shall be required on -sites with characteristics conducive to support
such species, as identified by county environmental planning staff, in accordance with section 929.09
of Chapter 929, Upland Habitat Protection.
(d) A tree protection plan. The tree protection plan shall be required as part of the tree removal permit
application; except that no tree protection plan shall be required for the removal of trees from an
individual single-family lot. The tree protection plan shall be submitted as a separate plan and labeled
"Tree Protection Plan." The tree protection plan shall:
1. Be desi ng ed to protect and preserve trees before, during, and for a period of three years after
construction. The plan shall be submitted as a separate drawing overlaid on a current survey of
the proposed site drawn to scale and clearly showingall ll required information as outlined by this
section.
2. Show and label all protected trees and specimen trees that are to remain after construction, the
critical root zones (as defined in 927.12) of those trees, the barriers that are to be installed prior to
the beginning of development activities, and the methods of tree protection such as fencing,
erosion control, aeration systems, etc.
3. Provide for mitigation of healthy protected and specimen hardwood trees greater than 12" dbh
(other than cabbage palms) and cabbage palms with 10 feet or more of clear trunk that are
proposed for removal. The applicable mitigation ratio shall be two inches dbh of replacement
trees for every one -inch dbh of tree destroyed; the replacement trees must be of the same species
as the trees removed and must be at least 4" caliper at time of planting_
a. When the property beingdeveloped is not appropriate for on-site mitigation, the applicant
may relocate mitigation trees off site onto public lands in the County or to alternative
publicly owned sites. No off-site mitigation shall be approved unless the applicant obtains
written permission from the appropriate public entity to implement the necessary replanting
plan.
b. If the mitigation trees do not survive for a period of at least three years after initial planting
or relocation, the applicant shall be required to replace the dead mitigation trees with trees
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
at least 4" caliper in an amount to meet the two inches dbh for every one -inch dbh ratio
requirement of the initial tree protection plan.
When relocating >12" dbh hardwood trees and/or replacing said trees at a 2:1 dbh ratio are
determined by the environmental planner not to be viable alternatives, a fee -in -lieu of
mitigation of $100 per inch dbh of the tree to be removed shall be assessed as a last
alternative. This fee shall be payable to the county prior to the issuance of a tree removal
permit Assessed fees under this provision shall be used by the county for native re -
vegetation of restoration areas on public conservation lands; for relocating trees or for
planting trees on public -controlled lands; for nuisance invasive plant eradication; or for
other similar uses that enhance native tree and native vegetation protection and restoration
in unincorporated Indian River County.
(e) An erosion control plan as described in section 927.07(2)(b), together with reasons for clearing or
grubbing of the site, if land clearing is intended.
(f) An administrative fee to offset the cost of evaluating the application, said fee amount shall be
determined by resolution of the board of county commissioners.
The filing of an application shall be deemed to extend permission to the environmental planner to inspect
the subject property if necessary for purposes of evaluating the application.
The application shall be submitted and processed concurrently with a site plan or subdivision
application as the case may be The site plan or subdivision preliminary, plat shall be prepared in a manner to allow ready
comparison with the tree survey. All depictions shall be properly dimensioned scaled and referenced to property lines
setbacks and yard areas. If known existing and proposed site elevations and major contours shall be included.
(4) For those applications which are not being processed concurrently with site plan or subdivision approval,
the community development department shall have ten (10) working days following receipt of a completed application
within which to make a determination of whether a permit shall be issued as requested. If the permit is not issued, the
environmental planner shall state in writing the reasons of denial and advise the applicant of any appeal remedies
available. If no action has been taken on the application within stated time, the application shall be deemed toren
approved, and the applicant shall be entitled to issuance of the permit in accordance with the application. For good cause,
the environmental planner may request an extension of an additional ten (10) working days in which to make a
determination, provided the extension is requested prior to expiration of the initial ten-day period.
(5) Any permit issued hereunder shall remain valid for a term of one year and may be renewable for a second
one year period upon request to the environmental planner, provided said request occurs prior to the expiration date of the
initial permit. The environmental planner may require reapplication and full review in those renewal cases where site
conditions have changed substantially from the date of issuance of the initial permit as a result of natural growth of trees
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
and vegetation, or high winds, hurricane, tornado, flooding, fire, or other act of God. If a permit required by this chapter
has been issued concurrently with site plan or subdivision approval, then such permit shall run concurrently with the site
plan or subdivision approval and shall be renewed together therewith.
Section 927.12. Determination of critical root zone.
The critical root zone (CRZ) is an area around a tree that is regulated by the Indian River County Land
Development Regulations for the purpose of protecting the roots and trunk of a protected tree or a specimen tree, both
during and after construction. It is a circular area using a radius measured from the center of the tree. The radius is
calculated as one (1) foot of radius for each one (1) inch of diameter at breast height (4.5 feet above grade). For any
fraction of a foot over a whole foot, the diameter at breast height will be rounded up to the next whole number. Example:
a tree has a diameter at breast height of twenty-one and one-quarter (21 1/4) inches; the CRZ is a circle, centered on the
center of the tree, with a radius of twenty-two (22) feet.
In no event shall the CRZ be less than an area measured five (5) feet radially from the center of the tree at its base
unless expressly determined by the environmental planner that a smaller, specified CRZ may be established. A tree well
design shall be required as appropriate in cases when the placement of fill threatens the viability of a protected tree or
specimen tree to be preserved.
Section 927.13. Local permit not exclusive.
It is the intent of this chapter that permits or approval required hereunder shall be in addition to and not in lieu of
any federal, state, regional or other local approvals .e that may be required for the same or similar activities. In the
event this chapter conflicts with any other regulations on this subject matter, the more restrictive shall apply, with the
exception that in a municipality, the municipal ordinance shall prevail. Compliance with provisions of this chapter does
not excuse any person for noncompliance with other applicable federal, state, regional or local laws.
Section 927.14. Open burning/air curtain incinerator regulations referenced.
The provisions of Chapter 925, Open Burning/Air Curtain Incinerator Regulations, shall apply regarding the
burning of debris associated with land clearing and tree removal activities, as applicable.
Section 927.15. Variances and administrative appeals.
A variance from any of the substantive requirements of this chapter or an appeal of any administrative
determination made by the environmental planner may be obtained in accordance with the procedures set forth for such
relief under the land development regulations of Indian River County; however, the planning and zoning commission of
Indian River County shall be the board to which all such variance requests or appeals are made.
Section 927.16. Tree protection as justification for variance relief from other land development regulations.
Inasmuch as the requirements of this chapter have been determined to be of vital importance to the health, safety
and well-being of the community, the desire to preserve a protected tree or specimen tree, whether mandated by this
chapter or not, shall be considered prima facie a unique or special condition or circumstance peculiar to the land involved
for the purpose of application for a variance from the literal requirements of land development regulations pertaining to
building setbacks, parking space requirements, or minor or residential street right-of-way widths, provided adjustments
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
are made elsewhere on the site to preserve the maximum permitted lot coverage and the total minimum number of parking
spaces, and provided safety precautions are taken to offset any hazard resulting from decreased right-of-way widths.
Section 927.17. Penalties and enforcement.
(1) It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person:
(a) To fail to obtain any permit required by this chapter, or to violate or fail to comply with the
provisions of any permit issued under this chapter;
(b) To, without a required permit, remove, destroy, or kill a protected tree(s);
(c) To, without a required permit, remove, destroy, or kill a specimen tree(s);
(d) To, without a required permit, perform any land clearing or grubbing;
(e) To, with or without a permit, not properly dispose of tree removal or land clearing debris;
(f) To not properly install and maintain tree protection barriers around each tree to be saved, or
groups of trees, as described in section 927.05(3).
(2) The violation described in section 927.17(1)(c) above shall be deemed to be irreparable and irreversible
[see Chapter 162.09, Florida Statutes (F.S.)].
(3) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(a) above shall be subject to a fine of up to
two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for each day the violation continues to exist beyond a code enforcement board
established date of compliance. This fine can be in addition to any other fine and/or penalty specified by the Code of
Indian River County.
(4) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(b) above shall be subject to a fine of one
thousand dollars ($1,000.00). The removal, destruction, or killing of each protected tree under this chapter shall be
considered a separate offense.
(5) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(c) above shall be subject to a fine of up to
fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00). The removal, destruction, or killing of each specimen tree under this chapter shall
be considered a separate offense.
In determining the fines provided for in this subsection, the code enforcement board shall consider:
(a) The gravity of the violation;
(b) Any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation; and
(c) Any previous violations committed by the violator.
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
(6) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(d) above shall be subject to a fine of not
less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not greater than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) per separate offense.
The amount of the fine shall be calculated as follows [sections (a), (b), and (c)]:
(a) For low quality vegetation removal, a base fee of^+s rem fifty cents ($0.50) per square foot
of area illegally cleared land shall be charged. Low quality vegetation generally consists of plants such as dog
fennel, grape vine, goose -foot grass, or non-native vegetation such as Brazilian pepper.
(b) For high quality vegetation removal, a base fee of fifty eents (en cn� seventy-five cents ($0.75) per square
foot of area illegally cleared land shall be charged. High quality vegetation generally consists of native
vegetation such as palmettos, gallberry, or wax myrtle.
(c) In the event that the quality of vegetation removed cannot be determined, a base fee of thift seven and one
half eents ($0.375) sixty-two and one half cents ($0.625) per square foot of area illegally cleared land shall be
charged.
(d) In addition to the above penalties enal the area that was illegally cleared or on which protected trees or
specimen trees were illegally removed shall be revegetated under the following circumstances:
1. The property on which the illegal land clearing and/or tree removal occurred is five (5) acres or larger
and the area of illegal land clearing and/or tree removal was done within native uplands, as defined in
section 929.05; or
2. The area of the illegal land clearing and/or tree removal was within a conservation easement, a
conservation tract, the Jungle Trail Buffer, or other similar protected area.
Under circumstance (6)(d)1. above, the area of revegetation shall be that area that would have been
required to have been set aside as detailed in section 929.05. No fee -in -lieu of payment will be accepted.
Under circumstance (6)(d)2. above, the area of revegetation shall be that area where the illegal activity
occurred within the conservation; easement, the conservation tract, the Jungle Trail Buffer, or other
similar protected area.
The area shall be revegetated with plant material that is native to Florida, consistent with surrounding
plant material, and suitable for the area of revegetation. A revegetation plan must be submitted and
approved by environmental planning staff. This plan shall include:
•a plan view showing the areas of revegetation, to include location of different species;
•the type, size, and spacing of the plants to be used, canopy, subcanopy, ground cover in
proportion to that illegally cleared;
•a schedule for completion; and
•a maintenance plan, to include success criteria for a period of up to three (3) years after
revegetation.
The purpose of the revegetation plan is to establish a native plant community to replace the plant
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
community destroyed by the illegal activity. For the lost of mature native plant communities, only the
largest plants that can reasonably be expected to survive (and can be procured) will be authorized for
revegetation.
(7) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(e) above shall be subject to a fine of two
hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) per day starting on the 61st day after commencement of the tree removal or land
clearing. If the date of the commencement of activities cannot be determined, the fine shall start ten (10) days after the
landowner and/or agent for the landowner is notified in writing that the debris must be removed. If an extension has been
granted, the fine shall commence on the day after the end of the extension.
(8) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(f) above shall be subject to a fine of two
hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) per day for each saved tree that does not have properly installed and maintained
protective barriers installed. The fine shall commence on the date that any development activity begins on the property
associated with the project and the protective barriers are either improperly installed or not installed at all. In the event
that the date the development activity cannot be established, the fine shall commence on the date that Indian River County
staff has verified that development activity has begun and that the protective barriers are either improperly installed or not
installed at all.
(9) Permits required by this chapter may be obtained after -the -fact by owners of individual single-family
lots or parcels for find e e,fing ara protected or specimen tree removal activities on individual single-family lots or
parcels, upon determination by the environmental planner that such activities were performed in accordance with permit
issuance criteria specified in section 927.07. The issuance of an after -the -fact permit abates the penalties described in this
section for those actions or activities authorized by the after -the -fact permit. The fee for an after -the -fact permit shall be
three (3) times the amount of the normal administrative fee as provided for in section 927.11(1)(f). After -the fact permits
shall not be issued for unpermitted land clearing or tree removal activities associated with non -individual single-family lot
or parcel land clearing.
(10) With respect to any violation of this chapter, the owner of the property on which the violation occurred is
presumed to have undertaken, caused to be taken, or authorized the illegal activity. The owner may present evidence
proving that the presumption is incorrect in their case.
(11) A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine not toa
less than five hundred dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail up to sixty (60) days, or both such fine and
imprisonment: One or all of the penalties listed above shall apply to property owners and contractors found in violation of
this chapter. The destruction or alteration of each tree or plant under this chapter shall be considered a separate offense.
The destruction of an historic or a specimen tree or any dune vegetation, contrary to this chapter shall receive the
maximum penalty provided by law.
(12) The county or any aggrieved party having a substantial interest in the protection provided by this chapter
may apply directly to a court of competent jurisdiction for mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief. In any enforcement
proceeding, the adjudicating body may consider mitigating measures voluntarily undertaken by the alleged violator such
as replacement or relocation of trees or vegetation, or other landscaping improvements, in fashioning its remedy. Such
body may also require such restorative measures.
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F':AConnmirity C:>evelopmeuI!a<-s\I2{)LAv[)4DR 92? I: 11 {)rd ,ui.mn;; 2(,X)_ 2i)plJ"g-cc Ord 2U0- 041, inc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
3. CHAPTER 926, LANDSCAPE AND BUFFER REGULATIONS, IS HEREBY AMENDED BY REVISING
SECTION 926.03, APPLICABILITY, AND BY ADDING SECTION 926.15, SINGLE-FAMILY LOT
DEVELOPMENT CANOPY TREE REQUIREMENTS, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 926.03. Applicability.
The provisions of this 'chapter shall apply to the development and maintenance of property in the unincorporated area of
Indian River County which is subject to the provisions of Chapter 914, Site Plan Regulations; Chapter 915, Planned
Development; and Chapter 913, Subdivisions and Plats, of the County Land Development Code. Section 926.15 of this
chapter shall apply to the development and maintenance of property in the unincorporated area of the County that is
subject to the provisions of Chapter 912 Single -Family Development of the County Land Development Code
Section 926.15. Single-family lot development canopy tree requirements.
(1) Two canopy trees as defined in Chapter 901 shall be planted or preserved on single-family lots in conjunction
with lot development Said trees are required to be planted or preserved prior to County issuance of a certificate of
occupancy for the residence. This requirement of two canopy trees shall not apply to any single-family lot where an initial
building permit application for home construction was submitted prior to March 14 2005 (the effective date of this
ordinance) Planted canopy trees shall be of a size quality and type as specified in Section 926.06 of this chapter. The
owner of the lot shall be required to maintain the canopy trees in viable condition.
(2) The following trees are approved for use to meet the single-family lot canopy tree requirement of this section.
Other canopy tree species may be used subject to county staff approval.
Live oax (yuercus var ani lana)
Laurel oak (Quercus hemisphaerica)
Diamond -leaf oak (Quercus lauri olia)
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
American holly( ex opaca)
Southern magnoliaMa noliarg andidora)
Sweet gum (Liguidambar styractflua)
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Seag_rape (Coccoloba uvi era)
Red mulberry (Morus rubra)
Slash pine (Pinus elliottii)
4. CHAPTER 912, SINGLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, SUBSECTION 912.07(6), IS HEREBY AMENDED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS.
(6) Tree protection, tree removal, and land clearing, and. landscape regulations. Tree protection, tree removal, a d land
clearing, and landscape regulations e -an affect the development and maintenance of single-family parcels.
(a) Mangroves and dune (Atlantic Ocean beach area) vegetation may not be removed, cleared, or trimmed
without a special permit issued by the planning division.
(b) [Vegetative conservation.]
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I ',C:orrnnur,ity [:>evelt>pineik. t1s�r,112(?C..� Lt?il ]1}�'1 f 1 i�se (}rd ii i;i(o t )I tj_ _^i)04_ 'I iee Ord )(Y" -0 l .doc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
1. No vegetation or trees may be cleared or removed within established conservation easements,
without a special permit issued by the planning division.
2. For the proposed development of a single-family residence on a parcel five (5) acres or larger, a
native upland vegetation conservation easement deeded to the county may be required. Any application to
construct a single-family residence on a parcel five (5) acres or larger shall be reviewed by environmental
planning staff to determine the aerial extent of native upland vegetation communities on site, if any. If an
area of native vegetation is determined to exist then either a conservation easement, or off-site
preservation, or a fee -in -lieu of easement shall be provided by the applicant to the county prior to building
permit issuance in accordance with section 929.05 of the land development regulations.
(c) Protected trees or specimen trees shall not be removed from lots or parcels over erre aefe 1/4 acre (10,890
square feet) in size ma r not be elear-ed or- pr-eteeted tfees rcmeved fFem said pa=w without a'""a rg
�-m�� tree removal permit issued by the planning division. A protected tree is a "tree having a
diameter -at -breast -height (dbh) of four (4) inches or more but not including "specimen trees," as defined in
County Code Section 927.04. Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) with 10 feet or more of clear trunk, regardless
of dbh are protected trees. Protected trees shall also include each tree regardless of the dbh of the individual
tree within a significant grouping of trees of West Indian or tropical origin. The following trees, regardless of
size or location and any other trees listed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council's most current list of
Invasive Species, shall not be considered to be protected trees:
Casuarina spp. — Australian pine
Enterolobium cyclocarpum — Earpod
Melia azedarch — Chinaberry
Schinus terebinthii olius — Brazilian pepper tree
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
'Cupania anacardioides - Carrotwood
Citrus trees of all varieties shall not be considered protected trees."
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F'Community [?cve]opinen� C�strs`ft(>L.� VI;NI lice Ord icvisitrns tit}, ?rn,}�.I'rcc - ; 12004 Ci iIoc
ORDINANCE 2004-041
(d) Exemptions from county tree protection, tree removal, and land clearing regulations include the following:
1. The removal, trimming, pruning or alteration of any unprotected tree or other vegetation
as necessary for:
a. The clearing of a path not to exceed four (4) feet in width to provide physical access of view
necessary to conduct a survey or site examination for the preparation of subdivision plats, site
plans, or tree surveys_ er Under this permit exemption, no disturbance shall occur to protected
trees or specimen trees or to the critical root zones of protected trees or specimen trees.
b. The clearing of a path not to exceed ten (10) feet in width to provide vehicular access
necessary to conduct soil percolation and/or soil bore tests on a property, provided such clearing
or removal is conducted under the direction of a Florida registered surveyor or engineer. Under
this permit exemption no disturbance shall occur to protected trees or specimen trees, or to the
critical root zones of protected trees or specimen trees.
C, The removal pruning trimming or alteration of any tree, not classified as protected or
specimen or vegetation for the purpose of maintaining existing access to a property.
2. Routine landscape maintenance such as trimming or pruning of protected trees, specimen trees, or
other vegetation, ,..hie does not „'t in the eventual deathof the plants-, mowing of yards or lawns, or
undertaking any other landscaping or gardening activity which is commonly recognized as routine
maintenance or replacement. This exemption shall be construed to allow routine maintenance of dune
vegetation growing seaward of the coastal construction control line, provided sufficient documentation
evidencing express permission for such activity from the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems of the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection She of the Depaft ent of'` atuf ' Resoufees of the
State of Por -i44
3. The removal, trimming, pruning or alteration of any tree or vegetation in an existing utility easement
or right-of-way, provided such work is done by or under the control of the operating utility company and
said company has received all necessary licenses or permits to provide utility service within the easement.
4. The f emovai, pruning, trimming or- alter-a4ien of any tfee or- vegetation fef the pttfpose of maintaining
4. The removal of any tree which has been destroyed or damaged beyond saving, or which constitutes
an immediate peril to life or property. of other- trees may femoved3Y rithout ^ ei=fnit.
5. Tree removal land -clearing or grubbing of any vegetation, except mangrove or dune vegetation,
within ten (10) feet of a house.
6. Troo fence a Land -clearing or grubbing of ai+y vegetation, except for protected trees, specimen
trees, mangroves, or dune vegetation, or any native vegetation in a conservation_ easement, upon any
detached single-family residential lot or parcel of land having an area of one (1.0) acre or less, provided
this exemption shall not be construed to allow land -clearing; or grubbing; of tree femeva4 without permit
of on any such lot or parcel by its subdivider unless the subdivider intends in good faith to forthwith begin
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ORDINANCE 2004-041
construction of a dwelling unit or units upon said lot. Advertisement or listing for sale of the particular lot
or parcel without the dwelling unit shall create a presumption that the subdivider does not intend to
forthwith begin such construction and that the intent is for the lot or parcel to be developed by a
subsequent purchaser.
7 Tree removal except for mangroves er dune vegetation or native trees in a conservation easement,
upon any detached single-family residential lot or parcel of land having an area of 1/4 acre (10,890 square
feet) or less provided this exemption shall not be construed to allow tree removal without permit on any
such lot or parcel by its subdivider unless the subdivider intends in good faith to forthwith begin
construction of a dwelling unit or units upon said lot. Advertisement or listing for sale of the particular lot
or parcel without the dwelling unit shall create a presumption that the subdivider does not intend to
forthwith begin such construction and that the intent is for the lot or parcel to be developed by a
subsequent purchaser.
(e) Canopy tree
landscape
requirement
Two canopy trees
as defined in Chapter
901 shall
be planted or
preserved on single-family
lots in
conjunction with lot development.
Said
trees
are required
to be planted
or
This
preserved prior to
County
issuance
of a certificate of occupancy
for the residence
requirement
of two canopy
trees shall not apply
to any single-family
lot where an initial
building permit
application
for
home construction
was submitted prior
to March 14
2005 (the effective date of
this ordinance).
Planted
canopy
trees shall be of a
size quality and
type
as specified
in Section 926.06 of the County
Landscape
and
Buffer Ordinance.
The owner
of the lot shall be
required
to maintain
the canopy trees in viable
condition.
The
following
trees are approved for
use to meet the
single-family
lot
canopy tree requirement of
this
section. Other
canopy tree
species may
be used
subject to county
staff
approval.
Live oak (Quercus virginiana)
Laurel oak (Quercus hemisphaerica
iamond-leaf oak (Quercus laurifolia
Red maple (Acer rubrum)
American holly (Ilex opaca)
Southern magnolia (Magnoliagrandi ora)
Sweet gum (Liauidambar stvraciflua)
camore (Platanus occidentalis
Sea r� ape (Coccoloba uvi era
Red mulberry (Morus rubra)
Slash pine (Pinus elliottii)
5. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS
All previous ordinances, resolutions, or motions of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida
that conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. All special Acts of
the legislature applying only to the unincorporated portion of the Indian River County that conflict with the provisions of
this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
6. CODIFICATION
The provisions of this ordinance shall be incorporated into the County Code and the word "Ordinance" may be changed to
"section", "article", or other appropriate word, and the sections of this ordinance may be renumbered or re -lettered to
accomplish such intentions.
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I .C:omm u;ity Oeti�l�>pinei�_ [,a , l VIY�.I I)k,927 jle(l K(l ,c i,i{�-is,_C).), ��.}G ,!'reg t?u. _0H
ORDINANCE 2004-041
7. SEVERABILITY
If any section, part of a sentence, paragraph, phrase or word of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional,
inoperative, or void, such holdings shall not affect the remaining portions hereof and it shall be construed to have been the
legislative intent to pass this ordinance without such unconstitutional, invalid or inoperative part.
8. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall take effect on March 14, 2005, after filing with the Florida Secretary of State.
This ordinance was advertised in the Vero Beach Press -Journal on the 20`h day of November 2004, for a public hearing to
be held on the 7`h day of December 2004, at which time it was moved for adoption by Commissioner Wheeler, seconded
by Commissioner Neuberger, and adopted by the following 4 to 1 vote:
Chairman Arthur R. Neuberger IAye
Commissioner Sandra L. Bowden Aye_
Commissioner Wesley S. Davis Nay_
Commissioner Thomas S. Lowther Aye _
Commissioner Gary C. Wheeler Aye_
The Chairman thereupon' declared the ordinance duly passed and adopted this 7th day of December 2004.
1 14
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LL
OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
AttQst: J K. BartonfClerk ,� ;w
•� , rF
B
Y y:
' . Y,`Y .Deputy Cl k Arthur R. Neub e ,Chairman
Filed wth'the'Florida Department of State on the
I.N
k. ^.y...
x
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM
day of nGr 2 7 2004 , 2004.
), 1"'xtWilliam G. Collins H Robert M. eating, AIC
Deputy County Attorney Community Development Direc r
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