LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Member Jennifer Brahier
SUBJECT:
title
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, SECTION 12-6-6(8) - HERITAGE TREES.
end
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
That City Council conduct a public hearing on June 17, 2021 to consider proposed amendment to the Land Development Code, Section 12-6-6(8) - Heritage Trees.
end
body
HEARING REQUIRED: Public
SUMMARY:
The City of Pensacola has a long history of prioritizing the protection of trees and recognizes their value as both an environmental and aesthetic amenity. To demonstrate the City’s commitment to being a steward of the environment, the City of Pensacola created and codified tree/landscape regulations that provide protection of trees throughout the City of Pensacola. These regulations provide guidance to both community members and developers, the permitting process for which they can have the trees removed and provide enforcement authority to the City for failure to comply.
While there are protections for heritage trees, there is also an opportunity to protect more than just the trees by including their driplines as well. These proposed amendments encompass the circumstance where there is a lot split for single family and duplex use; stating that the “land” shall be evaluated to determine whether a lot spilt will have a negative effect on any heritage trees, including their driplines. This language will help ensure that the totality of the circumstances is reviewed in a view to protect the land, including heritage trees.
PRIOR ACTION:
February 25, 2021 - City Council referred the item to the Planning Board
May 11, 2021 - Planning Board reviewed and approved the item
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Proposed Ordinance No. 27-21
2) 5-11-21 LH minutes- Planning Board
PRESENTATION: No