Planning board advances edits to landscaping and tree ordinance, keeps single tree definition

The Melbourne Beach Planning & Zoning Board focused the June 2 meeting on redlines to the town's landscaping and tree ordinance, agreeing to a string of clarifications and edits while deferring lengthy sections for additional review.

Member Gabor Khashoggi and other board members debated whether the draft should define "tree" narrowly (for Florida native species) or keep the townwide definition currently in Chapter 1. Khashoggi argued for clarity in the record and for preserving trees broadly; members ultimately voted to strike the alternate redlined definition and retain the existing single definition so the ordinance remains consistent across the code.

The board also amended the ordinance's intent paragraph to read, in substance, that the article aims "to preserve Florida native and Florida friendly trees whenever and wherever they exist" and added the qualifier "when possible and reasonable" for new plantings. Khashoggi read the revised intent language aloud during the meeting and the board approved the change by voice vote.

On tree-removal procedures, members discussed the town's current rule (as written in the code) that removed trees must be replaced and recognized practical difficulties applying a strict tree‑for‑tree rule on mature, redevelopment lots. A developer plan to remove numerous trees on a site prompted members to emphasize the need for a landscape plan and for staff to work with applicants to find practical replacement approaches. After debate, the board voted to strike a redlined requirement that would have imposed a separate permit in some tree-removal cases, keeping the original replacement-focused approach in the code.

Other edits approved included deleting a duplicated sentence requiring a tree survey and legend (duplicate of an existing 50% threshold requirement) and removing an isolated drainage‑plan reference that was judged redundant; members asked staff to ensure drainage plans remain required when projects meet the 50% construction threshold. The board asked staff to update the town's tree‑removal application form to reflect the ordinance changes and to return revised application language later in the year.

Marie (staff) notified the board that the Environmental Advisory Board has asked to meet with the Town Commission and that the EAB has expressed some urgency about tree removals; board members said they would participate in a joint workshop if the Commission requests it. Members closed the item by identifying additional definitions (invasive plants, canopy tree, native plants) to add in subsequent review and by scheduling further review of longer sections at the next meeting.

The edits adopted on June 2 are recommendations from the Planning & Zoning Board; the Town Commission retains final authority to adopt ordinance changes.