Atlantic Beach committee approves major revisions to Chapter 23 (tree ordinance)

Atlantic Beach’s Environmental Stewardship Committee approved amendments to Chapter 23 — the city’s tree-protection chapter — following an extended, clause-by-clause review on Oct. 22.

The committee discussed and refined multiple elements of the draft ordinance, including clearer arborist-report requirements, adoption of the term ‘critical root zone’ (CRZ) for protection areas, revised minimum protection distances for construction, and simplification of mitigation tables into two principal categories. Committee members also debated language governing the Tree Trust Fund, ultimately prioritizing replanting while allowing targeted maintenance for heritage or mature trees.

Key changes and discussion: - Definitions and reports: Members asked that arborist reports include sufficient detail (name, credentials and references on-site) to ensure staff can draw usable data when several trees are affected. - CRZ and protection distances: The committee recommended a minimum protection area of 10 feet from a tree’s base for most trees, and 15 feet for protected trees (30 inches DBH or larger), with administrator discretion to allow alternatives where protection is physically infeasible. - Mitigation and replacement standards: The mitigation table was simplified to two primary scenarios: new construction and vacant/developed lots. Replacement stock measurement was standardized on DBH, and a 4-inch minimum for replacement trees was discussed to avoid undersized plantings that do not provide canopy value. - Tree Trust Fund intent: Members agreed to language that gives highest priority to replanting and then to supporting maintenance and protection, with a statement that the fund is not intended for general routine maintenance. The committee directed staff to preserve guardrails to prevent depletion of the fund for non-priority uses.

Quotes from the meeting capture the tension between flexibility and guardrails: "The highest priority for these funds shall be to replant and then to a lesser extent to support the maintenance and protection of trees," a presenter said when reading proposed language. Chair Sarah Boren urged clarity about maintenance uses: "I would rather be explicit and say this is not to be used for public maintenance," she said.

Outcome: A member moved 'to approve Chapter 23 as amended tonight.' The motion was seconded and the committee approved the chapter as amended by voice vote. Members noted a few remaining editorial items to finalize with staff before the draft proceeds to commission review.

Next steps: Staff will incorporate the agreed edits and return the final language for distribution to the commission in advance of the committee’s scheduled report and presentation to the commission.