P & Z 01/10/2018 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency January 10, 2018 Page 7 In response to Mr. Ethridge's concern, Mr. Fathelbab said the fee for a residential tree removal permit is $15 regardless of the number of trees being removed. He said the permit fee is paid when the tree permit application is approved. Mr. Fathelbab explained the tree removal permit process to the Commission. In response to Mr. Ethridge's concern, Mr. Fathelbab said if an arborist has determined a tree to be hazardous authorization could be provided over the phone and a permit would be issued after the tree was removed. Mr. Fathelbab said that change to the Code is not to make it more difficult to take down a tree but to be more accountable and equitable. He said homes located in areas with a neighborhood landscape plan are required to meet the same standards that are being proposed with this Code change. A general discussion ensued regarding tree trimming and the percentage of homes that currently do not require a tree removal permit. Mr. Fathelbab explained that residents do not pay into the City's Tree Bank Fund. He said developers pay in to the Tree Bank Fund if they are unable to meet the tree requirements on the site. In response to Mr. Ethridge's concern, Mr. Henson said if the site meets the minimum tree requirements, any additional trees could be removed. Mr. Bryan suggested using the Tree Bank Fund to offset the cost of the tree removal permit. A general discussion ensued regarding code compliance ramifications for removing a tree with the current code and with the proposed code changes. Mr. John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Casselberry felt that a permit should be required to take down a healthy tree. He said a tree could die by over trimming and he was not sure how to enforce over trimming. A brief discussion ensued regarding using the Tree Bank Fund to plant trees on residential property. He said the value of a tree placed close to a home would save on electricity cost. A brief discussion ensued regarding the permit fee and the penalty for removing a tree without a permit. Mr. Henson asked for a motion to address LPA 17-09. Mr. Van Meter made a motion that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of LPA 17-09 and hereby amend Article XIV, Tree Protection of the City of Casselberry Code of Ordinances, Part III, Unified Land Development Regulations including Exhibit A. Mr. Bakalla seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.