(A) (1) All trees that are removed or destroyed and are subject to replacement by this chapter shall be replaced by a species of tree cited in § 157.06. Replacement shall occur prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy (if approval is pending) or within 30 days of removal or destruction, whichever is earlier, unless a greater replacement period is provided.
(2) Criteria for replacement trees is as follows:
(a) Characteristics of replacement trees. The replacement tree(s) shall have at least equal shade potential, screening properties, and/or other characteristics comparable to that of the tree(s) requested to be removed.
(b) Size of replacement trees. Replacement tree(s) are to be made according to the tree replacement standards as set forth in this chapter.
(c) Tree species. Relocated or replacement trees shall include only species and sizes defined as “replacement trees” under this chapter.
(d) Transplanting and maintenance requirements. All trees transplanted pursuant to this chapter shall be maintained in a healthy, living condition. Any such trees that die shall be replaced and maintained by the property owner.
(B) If replacement trees are required in order to meet the minimum number of trees required, two replacement trees shall be required for every tree with less than a 12-inch caliper that is removed. Three replacement trees shall be required for every tree with a caliper between 12 inches and 24 inches (inclusive) to be removed. Four replacement trees shall be required for every tree with a caliper in excess of 24 inches that is removed. Replacement trees shall not be required for the removal of any type of pine tree up to 12 inches DBH. In addition to standard replacement, the site must meet the minimum site plan landscaping requirements, and the tree size and location requirements of this section.
(C) In determining the required relocation or replacement of trees, the City Manager or his/her designee shall consider the needs of the intended use of the property together with a realistic evaluation of the following:
(1) Existing tree coverage.
(2) Number of trees to be removed on the entire property.
(3) Area to be covered with structures, parking, and driveways.
(4) Topography and drainage of the site and its environs.
(5) Character of the site and its environs.
(6) Ecology of the site.
(7) Characteristics and amount of shrubs, grass, and trees proposed for planting on the site by the applicant.
(D) Alternatives to standard replacement. If the total number of trees required cannot be accommodated on a site, the total caliper inches shall be met by the placement of fewer but larger trees as approved by the Parks and Recreation Director (e.g., if a 15-inch caliper tree is removed, then total caliper inches replaced must be at least nine inches as in the placement of three three-inch caliper trees or two trees each with four and one-half caliper);
(E) Limited exception for existing single family lots. Notwithstanding any other tree replacement standards set forth in this section, an arbor permit for a single tree shall be granted, as a matter of right, for each existing single family home lot, provided that the Community Development Department determines that:
(1) The tree is not an historic tree;
(2) The tree canopy covering the pervious portion of the lot after removal of the tree will be greater than 50%; and
(3) A permit under this division (E) had not been granted during the preceding three-year period.
(F) Replacement stock.
(1) In all cases wherein this chapter shall require replacement of any tree removed, the replacement shall be made with replacement stock, as defined in § 15.02. Survival of replacement stock will be guaranteed until that replacement stock shall meet the definition of a tree as defined in § 157.02. Trees listed in division (F)(2) of this section shall not qualify as replacement stock.
(2) Replacement stock may be any species listed in § 157.07(F). Suitable replacement stock shall be achieved by using recommendations from the most current University of Florida "Florida Friendly Landscape™" Publication - https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ Other species may also be used if approved in advance by the city as being equivalent in function and quality.
(Ord. 1601, passed 12-20-18)