Commission adopts updates to land-development code including new tree provisions; staff to study enforcement and education

The Ormond Beach City Commission approved Ordinance 2025-08 on second reading to update the city's land-development code's landscaping and tree-related provisions, including changes to tree removal, tree protection and replacement, landscape and irrigation plan requirements, buffer-area standards, and the creation of land-alteration permits.

The ordinance amends several chapters and sections of the code and was read by title in the public hearing for a second reading. Public comments and an extended discussion focused on trees: resident Ed Lacombe described a personal experience removing a large, diseased tree and urged clearer information and protections; several commissioners and residents raised concerns about dangerous trees and about homeowners being misled by contractors who do not pull permits.

Lacombe said he hired a contractor to remove an 80-foot, hollow tree he considered a hazard and later encountered enforcement problems. He recommended requiring firms that remove trees to employ certified arborists or, at a minimum, to provide written disclosure to the homeowner about city requirements. "I think that second thing is probably the most important of the two," Lacombe said of a written disclosure requirement.

City staff responded that state statute allows a property owner to obtain an arborist's written certification that a tree is dead, dying or diseased, and in such cases a permit is not required when the certification is on file. Staff emphasized the onus for compliance rests with the property owner: "Ultimately, the property owneris responsible," a city attorney/official said during the discussion. Staff agreed to research what other jurisdictions require and to explore practical outreach options.

Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland and other commissioners stressed an education-first approach for residents, noting many tree contractors operating locally may not understand permit requirements or may not pull permits. Assistant city manager Sean Finley and other staff suggested possible follow-up actions such as targeted notifications when permits are pulled, website guidance, and looking at whether contractual or licensing disclosures could be required.

After discussion the commission adopted Ordinance 2025-08 on second reading by roll-call vote (Commissioner Tolland: Yes; Commissioner Deaton: Yes; Commissioner Bridal: Yes; Mayor Jason Leslie: Yes). The ordinance repeals and replaces various sections of the land-development code; the final text in the packet governs enforcement, replacement standards, and the new land-alteration permit process. Staff will evaluate options for improving contractor disclosures, homeowner education, and practical enforcement mechanisms and return recommendations to the commission as appropriate.

The public hearings portion of the meeting closed after the ordinance vote; staff and commissioners also discussed separate procedural items and future workshops on stormwater management and other planning matters.