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Zephyrhills moves forward with new tree and landscape ordinance to prioritize canopy preservation
Summary
Council approved first reading of a comprehensive tree and landscape code update (ord. 1513‑26) focusing on canopy protection, updated buffer standards, new fees/credits for tree removal and a requested addition requiring applicant/staff/arborist site walks.
The City of Zephyrhills on Jan. 26 advanced a comprehensive rewrite of the land-development code’s landscape and tree provisions on first reading, emphasizing canopy protection and clearer rules for developers and residents.
Planner Will (Wilmacaw) presented the ordinance, which consolidates tree preservation and landscape rules into part 7.060 of the code. Staff said the update shifts the objective from fee collection toward preserving existing canopy, clarifies tree classifications (regulated/grand/exempt), and streamlines landscape buffers to three types (10‑, 15‑ and 20‑foot) instead of multiple overlapping categories.
Key provisions highlighted by Will include:
• An expanded focus on protecting critical root zones and requiring best-practice protections during construction.
• A new structure for residential tree removals: "qualified" removals (e.g., trees that threaten structures or are removed for permitted expansions) will require an arborist evaluation and no fee, while "unqualified" removals will carry a $500 fee.
• Increased removal fees for the largest "grand" trees (over 50 inches) with a corresponding credit program so preservation of large trees can offset removal fees.
• New pedestrian connectivity requirements for large developments to increase shade and walkability.
Will asked council to add language requiring applicant, staff and a certified arborist to walk sites before or shortly after pre‑application meetings; council supported that addition. Will said staff will conduct outreach to tree services and developers to explain permit requirements and reduce unlawful weekend removals.
Council discussed concerns about the durability of preserved trees and the need for meaningful protections rather than cosmetic preservation; staff replied the ordinance includes mechanisms to independently evaluate tree condition and, if warranted, commission an independent arborist review.
The item passed on first reading unanimously; staff recommended public outreach and meetings with arborists and developers before final adoption.
