PZ 08/11/2010 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commissionl Local Planning Agency August 11, 2010 Page 4 the property while the tree company was working on the property and questioned the foreman regarding the work being done and left the site. He said the tree company worked on the site for 5 days. He said he was satisfied with the work and paid the tree company. Mr. Anderson said a neighbor called Code Enforcement and said that live trees were being cut down on the site, He said two arborists have stated that the trees were dead. He said shortly after the work was done on his property, he received code violations for clearing his property without a permit and eventually said that he needed a permit and he needed to replace the trees. He said the Code Enforcement Officer could have prevented this had she asked for a permit, He said he wouldn't be in this situation because he would have found out about the tree replacement requirements and the trees would still be there. He said the trees were contributing absolutely nothing to this planet and were dead and dangerous. Mr. Anderson apologized and regrets getting himself into this situation. He said he made a mistake by putting his trust in a large local tree company that should know the codes. He said in his business if a permit is not obtained for doing work the contractor is punished. Mr. Anderson said that the tree company committed the crime and he has to pay. He said if the tree companies were held accountable and had to pay fines this kind of thing may not happen. He said that he paid $4,000 due to safety concerns. He said if he let the trees fall on their own he didn't know what kind of damage it would do but he wouldn't have to pay into the tree bank fund. Mr. Anderson requested the Commission waive the funds due to the circumstances. He said this would devastate his family and ruin any chances he has to make it through this tough time. Mr. Parkhurst asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the request. Mr. John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Casselberry said that Seminole County takes aerial photographs and he thought the photos could help document the condition of the trees. In response to the Commission's question regarding the tree replacement policy that was used during the 2004 hurricane, Ms. Smith stated she was not privy to any trees that fell on commercial sites. A general discussion ensued regarding permitting of tree removal during emergency situations.