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Committee recommends Chapter 23 amendment to prioritize preservation of 'valuable' trees, proposes 24–30‑inch threshold
Summary
After comparing urban and county standards, the committee moved that staff prepare a Chapter 23 amendment prioritizing preservation of the city’s most valuable trees and suggested defining 'valuable' trees in the 24–30 inch DBH range; the motion passed by voice vote.
The Environmental Stewardship Committee recommended March 25 that the City Commission direct staff to draft an amendment to Chapter 23 prioritizing the preservation of Atlantic Beach’s most valuable trees and establishing clearer criteria, including a suggested diameter‑at‑breast‑height (DBH) range of roughly 24 to 30 inches for prioritized protection.
Committee member Anastasia Houston read the committee’s proposed language, asking the City Commission to direct staff to develop a policy amendment "that prioritizes the preservation of our most valuable trees," guided by parameters such as landmark status, site‑alternative requirements, strict removal criteria and Commission‑level approval. Houston said the committee chose the term "valuable" to capture a mix of criteria including landmark status, condition and community value rather than a single label such as "heritage."
Members discussed existing thresholds in nearby jurisdictions — noting examples of 45 or 60 inches in some counties and as low as 24 inches in other urban codes — and emphasized Atlantic Beach’s urban character and smaller stock of very large trees. After debate, members agreed the 24–30‑inch range would better align with local conditions and the Commission’s prior direction to protect more trees. The committee moved the recommendation and approved it by voice vote.
The motion asks staff to return a formal amendment for the Commission’s consideration that can include a streamlined classification for "valuable" trees, clear removal standards, and procedures for Commission review; the committee also discussed strategies to preserve historic context in the code and to consult with neighboring cities and county staff.
