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Board approves first reading to clarify vegetation-removal permits and exemptions
Summary
County commissioners approved first reading of an ordinance that clarifies vegetation-removal permits, exemptions and mitigation, and allows certain road-construction work within county right of way to be exempt from mitigation; second reading set for Dec. 2.
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — The Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 4 approved first reading of an ordinance that clarifies rules for removal of native vegetation, exemptions, mitigation requirements and a specific exemption for road construction within county right of way.
Interim County Attorney Catherine Barbieri presented the ordinance and told the board the draft clarifies when native vegetation removal is allowed for construction of non-site-related roadway extensions or expansions identified in the county’s right-of-way protection plan and Jenkins Road area plan. The draft requires the roadway be dedicated to and accepted by St. Lucie County for perpetual ownership and maintenance before an exemption applies.
Staff recommended approval of the draft first reading and scheduling a second public hearing on Dec. 2. There was no public comment on the item, and the board approved the first reading.
The ordinance also clarifies that mitigation exemptions may apply when roadwork is carried out under certain site-approval or roadway permits and that vegetation removal for such roadwork may be exempt from mitigation when consistent with county acceptance and the roadway plan. Staff will return with final language on Dec. 2.
