HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-030ORDINANCE NO, 2002- 030
AN ORDINANCE OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, REGARDING TREE
PROTECTION AND LAND CLEARING REQUIREMENTS; AMENDING LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDRs) CHAPTER 901, DEFINITIONS; AND CHAPTER
927, TREE PROTECTION AND LAND CLEARING; AND PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF
CONFLICTING PROVISIONS, CODIFICATION, SEVERABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER
COUNTY, FLORIDA THAT THE INDIAN RIVER COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS (LDRS) BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Chapter 901 Definitions
Portions of Zoning Chapter 901 subsection 901.03 are hereby amended as follows:
Critical Root Zone (CRZ) 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 abovergrade). 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
211/4 inches; the CRZ is a circle centered on the center of the tree, with a radius of 22 feet.
Diameter at breast height (dbh) the standard measure of a single -stemmed tree at four and one-
half (4.5) feet above grade. When a tree has grown with cluster stems at breast height, dbh shall be equal
to the sum of the diameters of the individual stems measured at four and one-half (4 1/2) feet
above grade. The dbh shall be measured bytaking the circumference of the stem(s)/trunk(s) and applying
the formula d = c/nwhere d is the diameter (in inches) c is the circumference (in inches), and n = 3.14.
As an example: a single trunk tree has a circumference of 4 feet 5 inches (53 inches) measured 4.5 feet
above the ground The dbh of the tree is then calculated as d = 53/3.14 = 16.9 inches. The dbh value shall
be expressed in inches and shall be scientifically rounded to one decimal place.
Tree, protected any tree having a dbh of four (4) inches or more, but less than 24 inches all
„ This shall also include and all each tree, regardless of the dbh of the
individual tree, within a significant groupings of trees of West Indian or tropical origin_ of any size, and all
faangf eves ardiess of size3 w^lud : ,however-, The following trees, regardless of size or location shall
not be considered to be protected trees:
Casuarina cunninghamiana -Australian pine
Casuarina lepidophlia - Australian pine
Enterolobium cyclocarpum — Australian P e Earpod
Melia azedarch - Chinaberry
Schinus terebinthifolius - Brazilian pepper tree
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
64
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ORDINANCE NO, 2002- 030
Cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) and citrus trees of all varieties shall not be considered to be
protected trees, but such trees shall be included in a tree survey in the event the applicant chooses to make
use of said trees as a credit against the trees otherwise required under an applicable landscaping regulation
or requirement.
Tree, Specimen a tree which has a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 24 inches orrg eater
excluding, however, the following trees, regardless of size or location:
Casuarina cunninjzhamiana - Australian pine
Casuarina lepidophlia -Australian pine
Enterolobium c cly ocarpum — Australian lia Dire Earpod
Melia azedarch - Chinaberry
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
2. Tree Protection and Land Clearing Regulations
Portions of Zoning Chapter 927 are hereby established and amended as follows:
Sec. 927.01. Short title
Sec. 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 available; criteria governing issuance.
Sec. 927.08. Additional .r eteetion. 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 pretested area 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
Sec. 927.17. Penalties and enforcement
Coding: Words in strike through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
Schinus terebinthifolius
- Brazilian pepper
tree
Melaleuca quinquenervia - Melaleuca, punk or paper tree
2. Tree Protection and Land Clearing Regulations
Portions of Zoning Chapter 927 are hereby established and amended as follows:
Sec. 927.01. Short title
Sec. 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 available; criteria governing issuance.
Sec. 927.08. Additional .r eteetion. 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 pretested area 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
Sec. 927.17. Penalties and enforcement
Coding: Words in strike through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
ORDINANCE NO, 2002- 030
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."
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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; however, the trimming,
cutting removal or other similar actions are regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection and/or the St. Johns River Water Management District and these actions may require permits
from one of these agencies.
Avicennia gerimnans - black mangrove
Rhizophora mantle - red mangrove
Lazuncularia racemosa - white mangrove
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Section 927.03. Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the protection and preservation of trees and vegetation
within Indian River County in order to minimize environmental degradation caused by unnecessary or
excessive destruction of trees and other valuable vegetation.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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
901) on any site or tract without first obtaining a tree removal permit =er alteration pe, -it
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;
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ORDINANCE NO. 2002D30
(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 p -ete ted area.
Critical Root Zones established pursuant to this chapter have been surrounded by a protective
barrier prior to the beginning of development activities;
(4) Encroach onto preteeted area 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 preteeted
area Critical Root Zone;
(c) The cleaning of material or equipment within a pr-eteeted area. Critical Root Zone;
(d) The disposal of any liquid or solid waste material such as paints, oils, solvents, asphalt,
concrete, mortar, or other materials similarly harmful within a pr^*ee'_ea area. Critical Root
Zone; and
(e) The
placement of any structure
or site improvement
within a
2. The
Critical
Root
Zone
with the exception
of landscaping or related irrigation
improvements
unless
expressly
determined by
Environmental Planning staff
that such structure
or
site
CRZ;_and
of area
In
this
improvement
will not result
in the death or damage to
the subject tree.
4.
making
determination
Environmental
Planning staff shall consider,
but is not limited
actions
to,
the
taken
to
reduce
information
be by the
landowner
or
eliminate
following
which
shall provided
or applicant:
impacts
As an alternative to a determination by Environmental Planning staff, 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 and abilities that the
proposed structure or site improvement will not result in the death or damage to the
subject tree.
(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;
or
(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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Coding: Words in strike rough are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
2. The
area the
CRZ to be affected;
amount of
3. The
location the impact the
CRZ;_and
of area
within
4.
Efforts
or
actions
taken
to
reduce
or
eliminate
impacts
to
the
tree.
As an alternative to a determination by Environmental Planning staff, 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 and abilities that the
proposed structure or site improvement will not result in the death or damage to the
subject tree.
(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;
or
(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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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ORDINANCE NO, 2002-030
Section 927.06. Exemptions.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, the following activities shall be lawful
without application for or issuance of a tree removal or land -clearing permit. None of these exemptions
shall apply to any mangrove, dune vegetation, specimen or historic tree, or upland native plant community
conservation area, unless otherwise stated below. The burden of proving entitlement to any particular
exemption shall lie with the person claiming use of the exemption, in the event the exempted activity ever
becomes subject to an enforcement proceeding.
(1) The removal, trimming, pruning, or alteration of any non-tmprotected 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 or site examination for the preparation of subdivision
plats, site plans, or tree surveys; or
(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.
(2) Routine landscape maintenance such as trimming or pruning of vegetation which does not result in
the eventual death of the plants, mowing of yards or lawns, or any other landscaping or gardening
activity which is commonly recognized as routine maintenance or replacement.
(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 removal, pruning, trimming, or alteration of any tree or vegetation for the purpose of
maintaining existing access to a property.
(5) 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:
(b) Pertaining to silviculture, operations are encouraged to implement a State Division of
Forestry approved management plan, including a reforestation plan for harvested lands.
Coding: Words in strike g ; are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
(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 are encouraged to implement a State Division of
Forestry approved management plan, including a reforestation plan for harvested lands.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2002-030
(c) Pertaining to agriculture, operations are encouraged to 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.
(6) Any tree which has been destroyed or damaged beyond saving, or which constitutes an immediate
peril to life, property, or other trees, may be removed without a permit.
(7) Tree removal, land -clearing, or grubbing of any vegetation, except mangrove or dune vegetation,
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, grubbing, or tree
removal without permit of 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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90; Ord. No. 92-39, § 23, 9-29-92)
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 a 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 spa,.ime tree historic tree (as defined in Chapter 901)
shall be removed except as expressly approved by the board of county commissioners.
That the tree is located within an existing or proposed right -of --way;
2. That the tree is located within an existing or proposed easement, or stormwater
management tract, provided that only the minimum area necessary for the
contemplated service or use shall be considered under this criterion;
That the tree is located where its continued existence would unreasonably
interfere with the physical construction of the improvements on a particular site as
may result from interference with the access to the site by construction equipment,
or with the operation of the equipment on the site in the immediate vicinity of the
proposed structure or improvements;
4. That the tree is located where it creates or will create a safety or health hazard, or
a nuisance with respect to existing or proposed structures or vehicle or pedestrian
routes, and relocation of the tree on the site is not a feasible alternative;
Coding: Words in stfike thfoug ; are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
That the tree is located where it interferes with the installation, delivery, or
maintenance of proposed or existing utility services to the site;
That the tree is diseased, injured, or in danger of falling;
7. That the tree is located on a portion of the site to be used for construction of
required parking areas or vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress areas;
provided that, when this criterion is used to justify removal of a tree or trees
located within required yard setback areas, the applicant shall replace any such
tree or trees with an equal number of trees of similar ecological or aesthetic value,
as determined by the environmental planner, unless it can be demonstrated by the
applicant that the remaining site cannot be designed to accommodate and sustain
the substituted tree or trees. All replacement trees shall be of a minimum four (4)
inches diameter -at -breast -height (dbh);
That the tree is located on a portion of the site where structural development is
proposed, provided reasonable effort has been made to preserve protected trees
and specimen trees to the extent feasible under this criterion.
(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 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
which may be expected to occur as a result of the proposed clearing or grubbing.
The plan shall incorporate some or all of the following means as determined by
the applicant: 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
express conditions of the 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.
District (SJRWMD)
approval or exemption regarding
the proposed land clearing
ORDINANCE
NO.
2002-030
That the tree is located where it interferes with the installation, delivery, or
maintenance of proposed or existing utility services to the site;
That the tree is diseased, injured, or in danger of falling;
7. That the tree is located on a portion of the site to be used for construction of
required parking areas or vehicular and pedestrian ingress and egress areas;
provided that, when this criterion is used to justify removal of a tree or trees
located within required yard setback areas, the applicant shall replace any such
tree or trees with an equal number of trees of similar ecological or aesthetic value,
as determined by the environmental planner, unless it can be demonstrated by the
applicant that the remaining site cannot be designed to accommodate and sustain
the substituted tree or trees. All replacement trees shall be of a minimum four (4)
inches diameter -at -breast -height (dbh);
That the tree is located on a portion of the site where structural development is
proposed, provided reasonable effort has been made to preserve protected trees
and specimen trees to the extent feasible under this criterion.
(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 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
which may be expected to occur as a result of the proposed clearing or grubbing.
The plan shall incorporate some or all of the following means as determined by
the applicant: 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
express conditions of the 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.
Coding: Words in ^`��,rRe MFOugh are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
District (SJRWMD)
approval or exemption regarding
the proposed land clearing
or grubbing activity.
Coding: Words in ^`��,rRe MFOugh are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
• Oki 01►• UNWO[SAPAWYALIN1
A land -clearing permit does not authorize the removal or destruction of protected
trees, specimen trees, or historic trees. 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.
(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 permit shall be issued
for the removal of any native vegetation oceanward of the county Dune Stabilization
Setback Line (DSSL), with the exception of projects approved by the Fier-ida Depai4 ent
„r,.rat ..,t n eseu -ees (FD -Th � Florida Department of Environmental Protection WDEP),
and when associated with a plan for dune revegetation and maintenance, as approved by
county environmental planning staff and FD FDEP, as applicable.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Coding: Words in strike through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
has
is
4. That the applicant
or 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, specimen trees, or historic trees. 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.
(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 permit shall be issued
for the removal of any native vegetation oceanward of the county Dune Stabilization
Setback Line (DSSL), with the exception of projects approved by the Fier-ida Depai4 ent
„r,.rat ..,t n eseu -ees (FD -Th � Florida Department of Environmental Protection WDEP),
and when associated with a plan for dune revegetation and maintenance, as approved by
county environmental planning staff and FD FDEP, as applicable.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Coding: Words in strike through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
ORDINANCE NO, 2002- 030
/.1\ No rr;.-, gs shall be .1; ,-le
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o ,o any s„ n., .�. s , �-i`v'v`�� vi—udcsJu'we...PA
water-eetwse-.
61-11 MT WAS FZ M walowWav or
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7'
Coding: Words in strike th,e.ugh are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
7'
Coding: Words in strike th,e.ugh are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
ORDINANCE NO, 2002-030
as applieable-.
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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Section 927.10. Additional upland native vegetation protection.
Chapter 929, Upland Habitat Protection, of the County Land Development Code provides
standards and criteria relating to the protection of native plant communities, in addition to the provisions of
this chapter. No land clearing or tree removal activity shall be allowed to conflict with the provisions of
Chapter 929, including:
(1) Provisions pertaining to upland native plant community conservation areas, applicable to property
five (5) acres or larger in size;
(3) Provisions requiring the removal of nuisance exotic vegetation from development sites; and
(4) Provisions restricting the removal of upland native vegetation contributing to the stabilization of
the banks of canals, ditches, or natural water course, provided such restricts do not impede
maintenance of such water courses or drainage courses.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Section 927.11. Application procedure and fees.
buffer
St. Sebastian River
(2)
Provisions establishing
a shoreline
vegetation
protection zone
along the
by this
chapter
(3) Provisions requiring the removal of nuisance exotic vegetation from development sites; and
(4) Provisions restricting the removal of upland native vegetation contributing to the stabilization of
the banks of canals, ditches, or natural water course, provided such restricts do not impede
maintenance of such water courses or drainage courses.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Section 927.11. Application procedure and fees.
(a) A statement as to the applicant's interest in the property, proof of ownership, and agent
authorization from the property owner, as applicable.
(b) A legal description of the property and a boundary survey or accurate scaled drawing
thereof.
Coding: Words in strike are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
(1) Application
for issuance of any permit required
by this
chapter
shall
be made
in writing
to the
The
community
development
department
on a
form
provided by
environmental
planning
staff.
form shall
request all information necessary
to evaluate a particular
application
including
but not
limited
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.
(b) A legal description of the property and a boundary survey or accurate scaled drawing
thereof.
Coding: Words in strike are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
(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. 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 removed or left entirely undisturbed. A written
explanation shall be included with the tree survey which identifies those criteria in section
927.07 of this chapter which justify issuance of the requested permit.
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) An erosion control plan as described in section 927.07 (2)(b)2, together with reasons for
clearing or grubbing of the site, if land clearing is intended.
(e) The application shall be submitted and processed concurrently with site plan review or
subdivision review, as the case may be, when such approvals are otherwise required to
make use of the property. The site plan or subdivision preliminary plat shall be prepared
in a manner to allow ready comparison with the tree survey, to assess whether the cited
criteria have been met. All items shown shall be properly dimensioned, scaled and
referenced to the property lines, and setback or yard requirements. If known, existing and
proposed site elevations and major contours shall be included.
(f) An administrative fee to offset the cost of evaluating the application shall be collected in
an amount determined by resolution of the board of county commissioners.
(2) 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.
(3) 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 to have been
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.
(4) 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 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.
Coding: Words in"�throug ; are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
ORDINANCE NO. 2002-030
(Ord. No. 9046, § 1, 9-11-90)
Section 927.12. Determination of proteeted-area Critical Root Zone
En3vir-enmental planning staff shall review eaeh appheation, and may inspeet eaeh site, for- the
pur-pose of making a deteffmination as to the appr-epfia.te pfeteeted area to be designated for- these preteeted
tfees !fee on a given site. The pfeteeted afea shall be established based upen eensider-ation of the speeiesi
Felevant er-iter-ia, and shall be established
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
211/4 inches; the CRZ is a circle, centered on the center of the tree, with a radius of 22 feet.
In no event shall the pr-eteeted area 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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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 which 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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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
Coding: Words in ^`Fithrough are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions. 12
ORDINANCE NO. 2002- 030
variance requests or appeals are made.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
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, 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 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.
(Ord. No. 90-16, § 1, 9-11-90)
Section 927.17. Penalties and enforcement.
It shall be a violation of this Chapter for any person:
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.)].
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.
Any who commits a
violation specified in paragraph
(1)(b)
above shall be subject to a fine
person
killing tree
of one
thousand dollars
La) to fail
to
obtain
or
any
permit
required
by this
Chapter,
under this
Chapter
or to violate
or
fail
to comply
with
the
provisions
of any
permit
issued
under this
Chapter;
to without
a required
permit
remove destroy,
or
kill
a protected
tree(s);
D to without
a required
permit
remove destroy,
or
kill
a specimen
tree(s);
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;
ff) 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).
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.)].
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.
Any who commits a
violation specified in paragraph
(1)(b)
above shall be subject to a fine
person
killing tree
of one
thousand dollars
($1
000.00). The removal destruction,
or
of each protected
under this
Chapter
shall
be
considered a separate offense.
(55,) Any person who commits a violation specified in paragraph (1)(c) above shall be subject to aline
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
Coding: Words inStVike thFOug.", are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
ORDINANCE NO, 2002-030
In determining the fines
provided
for in
this subsection, the
Code Enforcement Board shall
(c) any previous
violations committed
by the violator.
($15,000.00)
per separate
offense
The amount
consider:
(a),
(c)l:
as Brazilian
pepper.
(b), and
(a) therg avity of the violation;
(b) any actions taken by the violator to correct the violation; and
Any person
who commits a violation
specified
in paragraph (1)(d) above shall be subject to a fine
of not less than
(c) any previous
violations committed
by the violator.
($15,000.00)
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 f Sections
(a),
(c)l:
as Brazilian
pepper.
(b), and
grass
1 The property
on which the
(a) For low quality vegetation
removal
a base fee of $0.25 per square
foot of area illegally cleared
is
native to
protected trees or
dog fennel,
land shall be charged
Low quality
vegetationeg nerally consists
of plants such as
vine, -foot
or non-native
vegetation such
as Brazilian
pepper.
grape goose
grass
1 The property
on which the
(b) For high quality vegetation removal a base fee of $0.50 per square foot of area illegally
cleared land shall be charged. High quality vegetationeg nerally consists of native vegetation
such as palmettos,alg lbe , orr�yrtle.
(c) In the event that the quality of vegetation removed cannot be determined a base fee of $0.375
per square foot of area illegally cleared land shall be charged.
(d) In addition to the
above
noted penalties
the area that was illegally cleared or on which
is
native to
protected trees or
specimen
trees were
illegally removed shall be revegetated under the
land
the
following
A
is five (5)
1 The property
on which the
circumstances:
clearing and/or tree removal
occurred
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.
with
plant material
that
is
native to
Florida,
consistent
with
land
the
illegal
A
is five (5)
1 The property
on which the
illegal
clearing and/or tree removal
occurred
acres or larger and the area
of illegal
land
clearing and/or tree
removal was done within
tract, the Jungle Trail
and
Buffer,
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.
The area shall be revegetated
with
plant material
that
is
native to
Florida,
consistent
with
be
the
illegal
A
Under
circumstance
(6)(d)2. above
the area of revegetation shall
that area where
activity occurred
within the conservation
easement the conservation
tract, the Jungle Trail
and
Buffer,
or
other
similar
area
protected
area.
revegetationplan
The area shall be revegetated
with
plant material
that
is
native to
Florida,
consistent
with
A
surrounding
plant
material
and
suitable
for
the
area
of revegetation.
revegetationplan
must
by Environmental
Planning
This
include:
be submitted
and approved
staff.
plan shall
Coding: Words in strike thio •g : are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
• 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 reve etation.
The of the RevegLetation Plan is
to
establish
a native
plant
communilYto replace
the
plant
purpose
above shall be subject
to a fine
of
two hundred
community destroyed by the illegal activity.
the largest plants that can reasonably be
expected
For the lost of
to survive
mature native plant communities,
(and can be procured) will be
only
authorized for reve etg ation.
day
for each
saved
tree that does not have
Any person who commits a violation specified in para rg_aph (1)(e) above shall be subject to a fine
of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) per day starting on the 61s' 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) dys 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.
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.
The
fine
the
date that
installed
and maintained
protective
barriers
shall
commence on
any
development
activity
begins
on
the property
associated
with the
proiect and the protective
In
that the date
the
barriers
are either
improperly
installed
or not
installed
at
all. the
event
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
Permits required by this Chapter may be obtained after -the -fact for land clearing and protected or
specimen tree removal activities, 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).
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 his or- hei case.
11 A violation of any provision of this chapter shall be punishable upon conviction by a fine not to
exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or by imprisonment in the county jail up to sixty (60) days,
or both such fine and imprisonment. 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;
mangreve, or any dune vegetation, contrary to this chapter shall receive the maximum penalty
provided by law.
Coding: Words in S..ii�[rnce through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
'1
ORDINANCE NO. 2002-030
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.
Coding: Words in strike through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
ORDINANCE NO, 2002-030
All previous ordinances, resolutions, or motions of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River
County, Florida which 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 which conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such
conflict.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect upon filing with the Florida Secretary of State.
1
11110 V111111Y11VV 1.{a0 {Ala♦ Vl La0vla +aa V ♦ VaV ✓V.svaa a aVv.s ..VNaaaµa Vaa .aav rv.+. w...J
public hearing to be held on the 12t" of November, 2002, at which time it was moved for adoption by
Commissioner Adams , seconded by Commissioner Gi nn , and
adopted by the following vote:
Coding: Words in stfi�„ a through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
Provisions
3. Repeal of Conflicting
All previous ordinances, resolutions, or motions of the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River
County, Florida which 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 which conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such
conflict.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect upon filing with the Florida Secretary of State.
1
11110 V111111Y11VV 1.{a0 {Ala♦ Vl La0vla +aa V ♦ VaV ✓V.svaa a aVv.s ..VNaaaµa Vaa .aav rv.+. w...J
public hearing to be held on the 12t" of November, 2002, at which time it was moved for adoption by
Commissioner Adams , seconded by Commissioner Gi nn , and
adopted by the following vote:
Coding: Words in stfi�„ a through are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.
C I 1 .
ORDINANCE NO. 2002-030
The ordinance was adopted by a vote of:
Ruth M. Stanbridge
Vice Chairman John W. Tippin
Commissioner Fran B. Adams
Commissioner Caroline D. Ginn
Commissioner Kenneth R. Macht
The Chairman thereupon declared the ordinance duly passed and adopted this 12th
November..- ,1 ; 2002. to
of I'' BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
<.. ,
VicNo i OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
to
Attest:. J!& ano4er`':,,�,
ttIP
to
By:12U ns CV-Qn
L;Ruth M. Stanbridge
Chairman
� y Fa 1 til e r� z J
t-
Filed with the Florid'a`Dep'al. rtment of State on the day of 32002,
4, rr f f
i.,
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM APP VE AS TO PLANNING MATTE]
A,
n
___ Chairman
��'��-
William G. Collins
Deputy County Attorney
Robert M. Keating, AICP
Community Development Director
Coding: Words in strike thre gh are deletions from existing law. Words underlined are additions.