Palm Coast staff outline revisions to Chapter 11 on tree protection, landscaping and irrigation

City staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 11 of Palm Coast's Land Development Code at the Beautification and Environmental Advisory Board meeting on Jan. 22, saying changes aim to implement the comprehensive plan, clarify intent and address recurring implementation issues.

The draft would tighten measurement and protection rules and give staff clearer authority in some cases. Rick (staff presenter) said existing-tree diameter will be measured as DBH at 4 feet 6 inches, while new landscape trees would be measured at 6 inches above grade. The proposal also specifies that shade trees planted to meet minimum tree density must be at least 1.5 inches in caliper and retains the code's current density of one tree per 2,500 square feet.

Why it matters: the amendments change how the city counts and protects trees during development and set clearer mitigation and enforcement expectations. Under the draft, "protected" trees would be trees 6 inches and larger, "specimen" trees generally 24 inches and larger and "historic" trees 36 inches and larger, and each category would be treated separately for preservation and mitigation…