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Home My WebLink About2009 04 27 Regular 602 Review City's Arbor OrdinanceCOMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 602 Apri127, 2009 Meeting REQUEST: CONSENT INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR X M r. /De t. Authorization The Community Development Department, Arbor Division, is requesting the City Commission review information concerning the City's Arbor Ordinance, the arbor permitting process and code requirements for tree removals, as discussed at the March 23, 2009 Commission Meeting under Item 405. PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is for staff to provide additional information and to answer questions, as requested at a City Commission Meeting on March 23, 2009, regarding the City's Arbor Code and permitting process for tree removals and replacements. CONSIDERATION: On March 23, 2009, at a regular City Commission Meeting under Item 405, the Commission requested that staff return at a later date to review the Arbor Ordinance and current policies regarding tree removals and their replacement requirements. Staff would like to address this request by summarizing the requirements of Chapter 5 (Tree Protection and Preservation) of the City's Code of Ordinances, by explaining the Arbor Permitting Process and by reviewing how the City is communicating with the public about tree removals. Arbor Code Requirements (Ch. S -Summarized) • Any person or entity (other than the property owner) who is engaged in tree pruning or removals shall have an Arbor License issued by the City, renewed on an annual basis. • Any tree 4" of trunk diameter or greater requires an azbor permit to be issued to the property owner or a licensed arbor contractor, who is hired by the property owner, for removal. • Any tree 24" of trunk diameter or greater (specimen tree), as listed by the City's Arbor Code, must be approved by the City Commission for removal. • Unless tree(s) being removed are dead, terminal, an exotic invasive species or are interfering with public utilities, replacement plantings are required as established by the City's Arbor Code, Chapter 5 -Table 1 (Tree Replacement Standards). • Tree replacements (tree credits) are defined by the size of tree removals. • If tree replacements are not desired by the property owner onto the subject property, the following options are available: a. A contribution to the City's Tree Banking Fund can be made as indicated in Chapter S -Table 1 (Tree Replacement Standards) based upon the size of trees removed. b. Off-site plantings can be installed within the City limits, with approval by the City and owner of the donor site. City Staff has a list of donor sites on frle. • Sec 5.9(E) of the City's Arbor Code allows for a single tree removal (on a single family residential site) without replacement, if the removal is not a specimen tree, and there is 50% remaining tree canopy on the property, permitted only once in a ten year period. Arbor Permitting Process (Step-by-step) 1. Property owner wishes to remove a tree on their private property. 2. Property owner or their licensed tree contractor contacts the City (Arbor Division or Permitting Department) with questions regazding the tree removal. 3. Staff informs property owner of the need for an arbor permit for tree removals of 4" in trunk diameter or greater and assists with the permitting process. 4. Property owner or their licensed tree contractor submits a permit application for a tree removal to the City's Permitting Department. Electronic permits are now available on the City's website for all residential arbor permits. 5. Arbor staff visits the site and performs an evaluation of tree(s) listed on the permit application for removal. If the property owner is present, staff provides a consultation regazding removal and replacement options. If the property owner is not present, information regarding replacement options and permit fees is left at the site for the owner. 6. Once the evaluation is complete, staff issues a permit based upon findings at the site and any additional request(s) made by the property owner or their licensed tree contractor. If the tree removal request is for a specimen tree (24" trunk diameter or greater), the applicant is notified and the request is scheduled for presentation to the City Commission as a regular agenda item. 7. The permit is now available for pickup and payment, if applicable. Electronic arbor permits with no permit fee due are now available to be sent by email without the need for a visit to City Hall. Once credit card or debit payments become available, there would potentially be no need to visit City Hall for a residential arbor permit. Communication • The Winter Springs `Tree Information Guide' Arbor Brochure is available for download on the City's website or at City Hall and a copy is currently in the process of being mailed to each utility customer of Winter Springs. This brochure provides a summation of the City's Arbor Code and other valuable information regarding trees that can be useful to our residents. • Each year in April, the public has an opportunity to become educated about tree care and the arbor ordinance by attending our Annual Arbor Day Celebration. • Throughout the year various articles authored by staff are published in both local and national venues that educate readers about tree selection, planting and care. • Residents are educated during requested site visits and evaluations at their private property. Staff takes time with each interested citizen to ensure they understand the requirements for tree pruning and removals in Winter Springs. • Staff interviews all prospective arbor license candidates, who must submit an application and provide the information required by the City's Arbor Ordinance. During this time, candidates are informed of the requirements of the Arbor Ordinance so they can better communicate this information to prospective clients. • Staff regularly speaks at programs throughout Seminole County promoting conservation and care of the Urban Forest. • The City of Winter Spring is an award winning Sterling Community as appointed by the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA Program, with our Arbor Division being recognized for excellence by the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry, as having a quality Urban Forestry Program consisting of effective educational and conservation based programs available to the local community. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Commission review the information contained in this agenda item and provide staff with any direction the City Commission deems appropriate. ATTACHMENTS: COMMISSION ACTION: