PZ 11/14/2012 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency November 14, 2012 Page 4 Mr. Regan stated Staff does not find that a full waiver is warranted; therefore, Staff recommends denial of the applicants request for a full reduction to the replacement requirements. She said Staff recommends a reduction to 1 tree at 2,5" DBH, species to be specified by Staff with planting the tree or payment into the City Tree Bank in the amount of $220. Ms. Regan said Staff requests the Planning and Zoning Commission make a determination on the applicant's request. Mr. Hale asked the applicant to come forward. Mr. Scott Henry, 27 -29 Jackson Court, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Henry said there are a number of large trees located at the rear of the property. He said that one of the trees was dying and the branches were falling and causing damage to the electrical wiring for the house. He said the cost to repair the electrical damages was expensive. Mr. Henry said that the branches falling from the dead tree were a potential fire hazard to the home. Mr. Henry said he applied for a permit from the City to remove the dead tree and he was told that there would be a fine if the tree was not replaced on the site. He said that they have incurred expenses repairing the electric and removal of the tree. Mr. Henry stated that Mr. Sorensen said he would request a full reduction from the Planning and Zoning Commission due to the heavy tree canopy on the site. Mr. Henry requested the Planning and Zoning Commission grant a full reduction with no contributions to the tree bank fund as promised by Mr. Sorensen. Mr. Hale 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. A general discussion ensued regarding the conversation Mr. Sorensen had with the applicant regarding the full reduction, granting a full reduction and Staffs recommendation for the applicant. A discussion ensued regarding single family residential properties being exempt from the tree replacement requirements and the Code does not address duplexes as attached single family. Mr. Wadley requested that Staff look at revising the Code to address duplexes. Mr. Henry felt that waiving the tree replacement requirement for his property would not set precedence. He said the electrical repairs and removal of the tree have caused a financial hardship, He said the tree required removal due to the danger to the house.