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City, Tanger Outlets agree on arborist plan and 120-day timeline after hat-racking found
Summary
Code officers told the magistrate that dozens of trees at the Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard property had been "hat‑racked" and the city and property representative reported they had agreed on an arborist-led rehabilitation plan. The magistrate granted the city's requested relief to pursue permits and a rehab plan with a 120‑day target.
The special magistrate on Aug. 6 granted the city’s requested relief in two related code cases involving tree abuse at property along Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard (Tanger Outlets/Palm Beach Lakes, LLC). Code enforcement testified that approximately 105 trees had been damaged by "hat‑racking" or improper pruning; the city sought 120 days for the owner to obtain tree‑alteration permits and finalize an arborist rehabilitation plan.
Code enforcement officer Officer Forest explained service and posting actions, described the arborist’s involvement and the owner representative Ramsey Bulkley said the parties had worked with an arborist and come to agreement on a timeline and plan. The officer told the magistrate the city would seek a $250 fine per tree if the owner did not complete required permits and replacement.
The magistrate found the properties remained in violation, accepted the agreed steps described in the hearing, and ordered the relief described by the parties: a 120‑day period to apply for and obtain tree‑alteration permits, finalize an arborist rehabilitation plan and begin remediation. The record includes a three‑year ongoing maintenance agreement for the rehabilitated trees, per the parties’ representation.
The order allows the city to pursue replacement and fines if the permit-and-rehab milestones are not achieved on schedule.
