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Zephyrhills staff proposes stricter tree ordinance, residential removal permits and larger replacement ratios
Summary
City planners recommended lowering the regulated tree size threshold from 6" to 4" DBH, adding regulated palms, requiring arborist assessments for regulated removals, expanding replacement ratios up to 5:1 for large trees and adding a homestead fee reduction; public works exemptions and implementation resources were discussed.
City planning staff introduced a comprehensive update to Zephyrhills' tree‑preservation and landscape code on Nov. 10 that would broaden protections for the urban tree canopy and change how removals are permitted and mitigated.
Key elements of the draft ordinance presented by Will McCaw include: defining "regulated trees" (reducing the protected threshold from 6" DBH to 4"), adding regulated palms using height as the criterion, adopting ISA/TRAQ condition ratings to determine grand‑tree status, and requiring a certified‑arborist condition assessment for regulated removals. For large "grand" trees the proposal raises replacement requirements (up to 5 replacement trees for the largest specimens) or establishes fee alternatives; the draft also provides a reduced fee for homesteaded properties.
Staff said exemptions would remain in place for imminent public‑safety removals and for public‑works emergency response. Public‑works director Shane LeBlanc explained that daily operations and emergency removals require quick action and that an exemption for city crews — combined with existing emergency permit language — is proposed so safety work is not delayed. Consultants from Chen Moore (Brian Volker and Camille Scalizzi) recommended relying on industry standard assessment methods (ISA tree condition rating and TRANQ where risk assessment is needed) and advised the city to provide or compile accessible lists of qualified certified arborists to reduce a financial burden on homeowners seeking assessments.
Council and residents questioned the out‑of‑pocket cost of arborist assessments, HOA and CDD interactions with private covenants, how insurance company requests for trimming are handled, and mechanisms for enforcement and appeal. Staff plans public outreach, consultation with utilities and the county, and a draft ordinance for council review and public hearings in coming weeks.
