Commissioners adopt limited tree-code changes: measurement standard and higher tree-inch penalty

St. Johns County commissioners on Aug. 5 declined a broader set of Land Development Code changes but approved narrower amendments to tree regulations: standardizing the method of measuring designated specimen trees and increasing the tree-inch deficiency charge from $25 to $100. The broader ordinance amendments (Article IV, Article V and Article XII) failed on a 3–2 vote. Commissioners Krista Joseph and Ann Taylor supported the broader package; Commissioners Christian Whitehurst, Sarah Arnold and Clay Murphy dissented. After further discussion, a separate motion by Commissioner Murphy to adopt more limited changes carried 3–2 (Murphy, Taylor and Joseph in favor) and enacted Ordinance No. 2025-23. Speakers during the item included county legal staff and private attorneys who raised constitutional and takings concerns; several public commenters supported stronger tree protections and preservation measures. Commissioner Murphy proposed density bonuses as an incentive-based alternative during debate but the board ultimately adopted only the measurement standard and the higher deficiency charge. The amendments standardize how designated specimen trees are measured and increase financial penalties for missing required tree inches; the board directed implementation under the county’s land development code and accompanying administrative processes.