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Planning & Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency June 13, 2012 Page 9 4. The Planning and Zoning Commission is allowed to reduce the number of replacement trees at their discretion if the Commission determines that the remaining number of trees to be preserved and planted on -site are of sufficient number and quality to comply with the purpose and intent of the tree protection regulations of the City's ULDR. 5. The site contains many canopy and understory trees. The site can accommodate more canopy and understory trees. Mr. Sorensen said Staff supports a reduction for trees which die naturally when the conditions warrant a reduction and staff also supports replanting as can be accommodated or by payment into the City's Tree Bank Fund. He said Staff supports the reduction to 15" dbh. Mr. Sorensen reviewed the following suggested conditions of approval: 1. The applicant must plant 6 standard trunk crape myrtles of minimum 2.5" dbh size. 2. The above condition shall be fully and faithfully executed within three months of the making of this determination or the landscape restoration plan shall become null and void and code enforcement action will commence. After a brief discussion regarding the site containing numerous healthy full grown trees, Mr. Meadows asked the applicant to come forward. Ms. Diane Gay, property manager, 525 Etna Court, Casselberry, Florida and Mr, Mark Stevenson, arborist, 516 Polaris Loop, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Stevenson said they are requesting the reduction because the tree does not meet the intent of the Casselberry Code. He said that the intent of the Code is to encourage the protection of the maximum number of trees within the primary tree protection zone and of large specimen trees. Mr. Stevenson said the City Code states that a specimen tree to be of value to the community because of its age, size, type or other significant tree characteristics. Mr. Stevenson said that the tree has no significant benefit and it has lived its life cycle. Mr. Stevenson requested the Planning and Zoning Commission provide a reduction in the mitigation for the removal of the tree so that smaller understory trees could be planted around the pool area. In response to the Commission's question, Ms. Gay said that the tree was struck by lightning two years ago and had a split down the center. She said some of the limbs were removed at that time. Mr. Meadows asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the request. No one came forward. Mr. Meadows asked for final comments from staff and the applicant. There were no final comments.