HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 04 11 Consent 305 Specimen Tree Removal - 18 Gumtree CourtCOMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 305
Informational
Consent
X
Public Hearings
Regular
April 11, 2016 KS KL
Regular Meeting City Manager Department
REQUEST:
The Public Works Department, Arbor Division, asks that the City Commission consider the
request of Ms. Judith Wadsworth to remove one specimen tree from her property at 18
Gumtree Court.
SYNOPSIS:
Judith Wadsworth of 18 Gumtree Court is requesting permission to remove one specimen
tree from her property. The tree is in close proximity to her home. Section 5 -8(b) of
Chapter 5, Tree Protection and Preservation, provides that specimen trees shall not be
removed except for extraordinary circumstances or hardships and only by approval of the
City Commission.
CONSIDERATIONS:
On March 16, 2016, the resident began removing a 24" diameter sweetgum without a
permit. The work was stopped and the resident was informed that their tree company had
not yet obtained a permit for the removal, that the tree was a specimen tree, and that a
permit could only be issued upon approval of the City Commission. The tree is located at
the northwest corner of the property within 5' of the home. The resident was concerned
about the roots of the tree damaging the foundation of the home. Currently, half of the
canopy of the tree has already been removed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If the request is approved, the applicant will pay a $50 arbor permit fee to the Arbor Fund
and will installed 4 credits worth of replacement trees. The tree company will also
be assessed a fine of $250 for attempting to remove the tree without a permit.
Consent 305 PAGE 1 OF 2 - April 11, 2016
COMMUNICATION EFFORTS:
This Agenda Item has been electronically forwarded to the Mayor and City Commission,
City Manager, City Attorney /Staff, and is available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and
the City's Server. Additionally, portions of this Agenda Item are typed verbatim on the
respective Meeting Agenda which has also been electronically forwarded to the individuals
noted above, and which is also available on the City's Website, LaserFiche, and the City's
Server; has been sent to applicable City Staff, Media/Press Representatives who have
requested Agendas /Agenda Item information, Homeowner's Associations/Representatives
on file with the City, and all individuals who have requested such information. This
information has also been posted outside City Hall, posted inside City Hall with additional
copies available for the General Public, and posted at five (5) different locations around the
City. Furthermore, this information is also available to any individual requestors. City Staff
is always willing to discuss this Agenda Item or any Agenda Item with any interested
individuals.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the request of Ms. Wadsworth to
remove one specimen sweetgum tree from her property at 18 Gumtree Court. Half of the
tree has already been removed without a permit. Leaving the tree is not a recommended
option due to the amount of canopy that has already been removed. Had a request for
permit been submitted prior to removal, the request would have been approved due to the
proximity of the tree to the home.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Photograph (1 page)
Consent 305 PAGE 2 OF 2 - April 11, 2016
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