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Commission deadlocks on landscaping ordinance; approves separate dune protections
Summary
A proposed update to the city's tree, landscaping and mitigation code drew major objections and failed to advance on first reading; commissioners separately approved a new dune-management ordinance intended to protect coastal dunes and clarify state statutory exceptions.
The commission heard a package of proposed amendments May 13 that would revise tree permitting, landscaping standards and tree-preservation calculations. Staff said the changes were intended to adopt landscape-industry standards (root barriers, temporary irrigation for newly planted trees, and clearer mitigation calculations) and to clarify required tree appraisals.
The first-reading item on tree/landscaping text amendments drew lengthy commissioner and public discussion focused on homeowner costs, mitigation requirements after storm damage or removal, and the administrative burden of appraisals and mitigation. Commissioners and several members of the public said the proposed changes could impose significant cost and paperwork burdens on residential property owners, and concerns about whether the new rules would conflict with state law were raised.
When the commission voted on the first-reading ordinance, several commissioners voted "No," and the motion failed to pass on the first reading. Commissioners asked staff to return with a clearer, more targeted proposal that separates new-development standards from household-level mitigation and that clarifies how the city will apply state statutory exemptions (for trees posing an "unacceptable risk").
Separately, the commission approved a distinct ordinance that adds a new section regulating coastal-dune management, restoration and enhancement on private property. Staff said the dune language was advised by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and will not replace required FDEP approvals seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line; the new local code gives the city authority to protect dunes on private parcels within city limits.
Ending: Staff will revise the larger tree/landscaping proposal to address commissioner concerns about residential impacts and mitigation costs and will return with revised language; the dune regulation will be implemented in coordination with state permitting.
