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Commission reduces tree‑violation penalty after dispute over code timing; developer blamed contractor
Summary
After a contested appeal over unpermitted tree removals in Wekiva Springs Cove, the Orange County BCC upheld the DRC finding of violation and voted 4–3 to reduce the mitigation/penalty to $40,916 (or replanting 386 inches) citing hardship and contractor failures; staff will expedite required restoration plan review.
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday upheld a zoning enforcement action that found unpermitted removal of protected trees in a Wekiva Springs subdivision, then voted 4–3 to reduce the dollar penalty and require mitigation measures tied to the earlier code.
Zoning staff told the board that, on inspection, 20 preserved trees totaling roughly 233 caliper inches had been removed from an open‑space tract despite being shown as preserved on the approved preliminary subdivision plan (PSP). Under the county’s updated tree protection ordinance (effective March 15, 2024), the mitigation…
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