Atlantic Beach commissioners push for tree inventory, weigh stricter protections and flexible setbacks

A commission workshop on March 2 examined proposed revisions to Atlantic Beach’s Chapter 23 tree-protection code and sketched next steps including a professional tree inventory and an April 18 town hall for public input. Commissioners and staff debated higher mitigation ratios for new development, enforcement gaps, and whether limited exceptions to setbacks or stormwater placement could save large, old live oaks.

A staff member leading the presentation said the city is “incorporating feedback” from the environmental stewardship committee and the public and plans to synthesize input ahead of the April town hall. The staff member said the city applied for a grant to pay for a professional tree inventory and expects that decision by June 30; meanwhile staff has requested access to Jacksonville’s tree-plotter software to map and monitor significant live oaks.

Amanda Askew, the neighborhoods director and the meeting’s subject-matter lead, described how the code currently treats new development differently from additions or ordinary repairs and said the draft increases mitigation ratios for new development “to discourage clear cutting.” She told the commission higher mitigation is meant to push developers to redesign instead of removing mature trees, but acknowledged developers sometimes opt to pay into the mitigation fund rather than preserve trees on-site.

Mayor Ford recounted the recent removal of a long‑standing live oak on West 1st Street and urged a careful, data-driven response: “I can’t replace that tree in 1 lifetime,” he said, arguing the city needs an inventory to know whether there are dozens or thousands of such trees and where they sit — in rights-of-way or on private lots. Ford proposed that staff return a revised redline and recommended considering narrowly targeted exceptions — for example, reducing stormwater yard requirements or granting limited setback variances — to preserve landmark trees where feasible.

Commissioners also discussed practical limits to tree protection. Commissioner Reif raised subdivision as a frequent cause of canopy loss when large lots are split and developed; staff noted the code allows subdivision that meets minimum lot dimensions and that small lots leave little room for on-site replanting. Commissioners and staff repeatedly flagged enforcement and after‑the‑fact removals as challenges, noting that some arborist letters taken at face value can enable removals that residents later contest.

Several commissioners urged balancing incentives and deterrents. One commissioner said off‑site mitigation already is allowed within a quarter mile and suggested expanding programs that let property owners who want trees receive plantings funded from the mitigation fund. Staff noted the city’s mitigation fund helps an “adopt‑a‑tree” program; the department has a centennial goal of 100 replacement trees for 2026 and said it was nearly halfway to that target.

Speakers compared local options with other Florida and southern cities. Commissioner Reif and others mentioned Savannah and Fernandina Beach as examples of municipalities with strong canopy protections; staff cautioned, however, that state law and preemption limit what Florida local governments can mandate and that legal constraints can complicate moratoria or absolute freezes on permits.

The workshop also debated terminology. Staff explained “heritage” trees would be commission‑designated (typically nominated at a specified diameter), “maritime/legacy” describes maritime species and big shade trees, and ESE (the environmental stewardship committee) has proposed an informal “elder” label for exceptionally old or significant specimens. Mayor Ford said live oaks should receive special consideration and offered to sponsor legislation to protect the city’s oldest specimens.

The meeting produced no formal vote. The mayor and staff announced a public town hall on April 18 for broader community input and directed staff to return to the commission with a second redline reflecting feedback. The commission also asked staff to investigate the feasibility of a tree inventory, use of plotter software, coordination with nonprofits for acquisition/preservation, and potential permitting or permitting‑process changes to improve enforcement.

Next steps: staff will pursue the inventory grant outcome (expected by June 30), continue community outreach leading to the April 18 town hall, and prepare a revised redline. The commission did not adopt any ordinance changes at the meeting.