HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 05 14 Regular H Arbor Replacement Fees and Fire Safety
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM H
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
Regu lar X
May 14.2001
Meeting
Mgr. ~ I apt
Authorization
REQUEST:
The Community Development Department-Code Enforcement Division requests
the City Commission considers infonnation regarding arbor replacement fees and
fire safety. I
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this agenda item is to request the City Commission considers information
regarding arbor replacement fees and fire safety and to determine if a hardship was caused upon
Mr. Thompson's home due to a fire hazard caused by trees Mr. Thompson removed from his
property.
APPLICABLE LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY:
Under current regulations, a permit must be obtained prior to the removal of any tree. Fees are
waived if the tree(s) is dead or severely diseased or ifit falls into Class [ category of Exotic
Invasive species as specified in the Florida Pest Plant Council list of Exotic Plants. No
replacement is required for the removal of these trees.
However, in an attempt to slow the destruction of the urban forest and in an effort to protect
surrounding property values, a minimum replacement is required for any other removal. If the
owner does not desire to replant on the site, a monetary replacement may be made, equal to the
wholesale cost of the replacement plant. Those funds are strictly used for the augmentation and
maintenance of trees on public lands. The owner has the option to remove the trees or not. Staff
does not prohibit removal for any reason. But, there is a cost to the owner if a tree is removed
without meeting the above criteria for removal.
MAY 14,2001
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM H
Page 2
CONSIDERA TIONS:
Mr. Thompson came to the City requesting a permit to remove several pine trees from his back
yard. He explained that he was trying to comply with the Department of Forestry's thirty (30)
feet of "defensible space". He is fearful that the large pine trees are a fire threat.
Code Enforcement/Arbor and Fire Staff has had several conversations with Mr. Thompson
concerning this issue and has inspected his home site. According to the Division of Forestry, the
thirty (30) feet of defensible space is in regard to dead plant material, such as dead leaves,
branches and dry mulch. This includes removing stacked firewood and propane tanks from within
30 feet of your home. It is not recommended to remove large, healthy trees of any type.
The risk of wildfire is ranked according to several conditions.
· A low-risk situation would consist of bare ground or pasture, moist forest of mostly large
trees, and few plants growing low to the ground.
· A medium-risk site would have thick, continuous grasses, weeds or shrubs, a continuous thin
layer of pine needles, scattered young pine trees, scattered palmettos or shrubs up to three (3)
feet tall separated by patches of sand or grass and a clear view into an undeveloped (wooded)
area.
· A high-risk area includes a thick bed of pine needles and lots of pine trees, continuous
palmettos, shrubs or sawgrass more than three (3) feet tall, vines and small-to-medium trees
or palms beneath taller pine trees, impenetrable shrubs or young pines, and no clear view into
the undeveloped area because of dense growth.
The recommendation also states that if you live in a "subdivision surrounded by homes and lawns,
or in an urban area, it is unlikely that a wildfire would reach your house. Like the majority of
Floridians, YOU are at a low risk of wildfire..."
These guidelines were developed in response to the fire-related disasters experienced by many
residents in the state over the past few years. Most of the damage occurred in rural areas, or on
home sites surrounded by undeveloped areas.
CONCLUSION:
Based upon a review of fire codes and conditions of Mr. Thompson's home, there was no
fire hazard caused by the trees he removed from his property and there is no hardship
placed upon his property.
MAY 14,2001
,"
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM H
1>age 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Commission upholds the current regulations in regard to replacement
requirements for tree removal and thus Mr. Thompson be required to make payment to the tree
replacement fund according to the arbor ordinance.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. University of Florida Extension Office brochure on fire safety
B, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Div. Of Forestry brochure on fire safety
C. Memorandum from Winter Springs Fire Chief, Tim Lallothin
COMMISSION ACTION:
.
ATTACHMENT A
.
.
Fire is a powerful part of Florida's
landscape. It can maintain healthy
natural ecosystems, but can also turn a
home to ashes. Florida's frequent
lightning strikes and human
carelessness guarantee that wildfire
will continue to be a factor in rural and
suburban areas. With the steady rise of
new homes in undeveloped areas,
some homeowners may wonder if they
are in danger of wildfire. Find out if you
are at risk, and follow these guidelines
to reduce the threat of wildfire.
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Use the Internet to find out more about
landscaping your Florida home and
reducing the risk of wildland fire:
University of Florida Web sites:
Forest Management
http://www .sfrc. ufl.ed u/Exte ns i onl
Exinfo.html
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods
http://hort.ufl.edu/fyn/
Landscaping for Wildlife
http://www . wec. ufl.ed u/extens i onl
Landscaping for Energy
http://www .age n. ufl.edu/-feesl
Florida and National Forest Agency
Web sites:
Florida Division of Forestry
http://www.fl-dof.com/
Florida Forest Protection Bureau
http://flame . fl-dof.coml
Firewise Communities
http://www . fi rewise. orgl com m u n iti es
Smokey Bear
http://www.smokeybear.com/
Other Organization Web sites:
The Nature Conservancy - Florida Chapter
http://www . tncflo ri da. orgl
Tall Timbers Research Station
http://www . ta Ilti m bers .orgl
.
FOR 71
Landscaping
in Florida
with Fire
in Mind
Martha Monroe and Alan Long
School of Forest Resources and Conservation
., UNIVERSITY OF
....,.. ,: FLORIDA
EXTENSION
IFAS
IJ.
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1. Trim lower branches up to 10 feet
on tall trees, remove vines from trees,
and keep shrubbery away from pine
trees so that a fire on the ground
cannot climb up these fuel ladders to
the treetops.
.,-
.;
2. Landscape your defensible space
to make it difficult for fire to spread to
your house. Use shrub islands or
patches of perennials rather than
continuous beds of plantings. Thin
trees so branches do not touch each other.
3. Keep combustible items like wood piles, compost piles, gas grills,
gas cans, and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from your house.
Clear away dead vegetation, pine needles, and branches.
4. Use mowed grass, gravel walkways, and mulched plantings near
your home. Although mulch helps retain soil moisture, it must be kept
moist or it can become a fuel source. Do not use thick combustible
mulch near your home's foundation.
5. Keep large, leafy, hardwood trees in your
yard, particularly on the east and west sides of
your house. Their shade is important to cool
your house, and the flat leaves trap moisture
on the ground. Large pine trees also provide
good shade. Trim lower branches and rake up
pine needles.
6. Remove flammable plants like saw
palmetto, wax myrtle, yaupon holly, red cedar,
and gallberry within 30 feet of your home.
These shrubs are appropriate farther from
your home and in natural areas managed with
prescribed.. They contain resins, oils, and
waxes that" readily. Many other plants are
not as flamm;:!blp.
Additional Wildfire Protection
for Homes in High-Risk Areas
How fire proof is your home? Siding, soffit vents, and roofing should be
made with heat-resistant materials. Keep the roof clear of pine needles
and trim branches so they don't hang over the roof. Make sure your
chimney has a spark arrester.
If there is no hydrant system in your neighborhood, provide an emergency
water supply for fire fighters, such as a swimming pool, pond, or water
tank. Keep 100' of hose to stop small fires from spreading.
Don't Wait Too Long...
People who live in high-risk rural and suburban areas of Florida should
take precautions to protect their homes from fire. Since some preventive
actions have economic and environmental costs, they are not appropriate
for every homeowner. It is possible to keep an attractive yard that
conserves energy, water, and wildlife while also protecting your home
from wildfire. Additional fire protection can be gained if homeowners, local
landowners, and officials work together to develop fire protection services,
water sources, and buffer zones for an entire community. For more
information, contact your county Cooperative Extension office, local
Division of Forestry office, or visit these web sites:
http://f1ame.f1-dof.com and
http://www.sfrc.uf!.edu/Extension/Extlnfo.html
If you have information about a wildland fire possibly set by an arsonist, call the
Florida Division of Forestry at 1-800-342-5869. You may receive a reward up to
$5,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
This publication was produced by the University of Florida with assistance from a grant by the Advisory
Council on Environmental Education of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Expertise was provided by The Nature Conservancy and several units within IFAS: Energy Extension
Service, Environmental Horticulture, and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, Christine Taylor Waddill, Director, in cooperation with the United
States Department of Agriculture, publishes this information to further the purpose of the May 8
and June 30,1914 Acts of Congress: and is authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to indi....iduals and institutions that function without regard to
race, calor, age, sex, handicap or national origin. The information in this publication is available
in alternate formats. Single copies of extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth
publications) are available free to Florida residents from county extension offices. Information
on copies for out-of-state purchase is available from Publications Distribution Center,
University of Florida, PO Box 110011, Gainesville, FL 32611-0011. Information about
alternate formats is availabie from Educational Media and Services, University of Florida. ~. ./ I ;'
PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810. This information was published December ' , i
. 1999 as FOR 71, Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Revised January 2001. '- ~ :" .'
Photo and Graphic Credits: Alison Bowers, Brian Goe, Kimberly _...... / .'
Heuberger, Larry Korhnak, Alan Long, Susan Marynowski, Jana Miller ............_.~.~~~:/
-~,.., Ihr.'l r"1......;........ r" .:.... .. _,,...... .
Reducing Wildfire Risk
One of the best ways to minimize the effects of wildfire on
undeveloped land is to reduce the density of the plants. This can be
achieved in several ways, but the strategy that mimics nature and
protects the health of the ecosystem is prescribed burning.
Consider encouraging the use of
prescribed fire on undeveloped
land near your home. In the
meantime, you can do a variety of
other things near your home to
increase your protection from
wildfire. Just as coastal residents
prepare for hurricane season, you
should prepare for wildfire season.
Wildfire Protection for Homes in
Medium-Risk and High-Risk Areas
Make it easy for fire trucks to ge.t to your house. Clearly label your
street name and house number with metal signs and posts. Make
sure the driveway has a 16-foot clearance of vegetation and create
a 3D-foot-wide space around your home for fire trucks to maneuver.
This 30-foot area around your home is called defensible space.
,.
Less-Flammable Plants
dogwood, viburnum, redbud, sycamore, magnolia, beautyberry,
oaks, red maple, wild azalea, sweetgum, coontie, winged elm,
black cherry, persimmon, wild plum, sugarberry, Florida soapberry,
fringetree, ferns, wild olive, blue beech, hophornbeam, sparkleberry
Beyond Your Defensible Space
Reduce dense vegetation. Prescribed
fire is best for the ecosystem, but
mowing or other methods of eliminating
fuels will help protect your home. Call
the ~ivision of Forestry (DO F) or
Cooperative Extension office for a list
of qualified burners and fuel reduction
contractors in your area.
With your neighbors, promote the use
of prescribed burning for reducing
vegetation on nearby undeveloped
lands and the maintenance of
vegetation breaks between your
properties. Be tolerant of smoke from
prescribed fires. Call the OOF to report
nearby land that has a dangerous
build-uD of fuels.
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;Prescfibed Fire
}~hC\.s been used here
" Prescribed fire ir..1 niltllr~ll"lld
. beneficial nl~ln~gcmcnt. tool
for our IO"GleClf pirle ccosyst.elll
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Determine Your Risk
Two factors contribute to wildfire risk:
. the land use in your area, and
. the kind of vegetation around your home.
Surrounding Land Use
If you live in a subdivision surrounded by
homes and lawns, or in an urban area, it is
unlikely that a wildfire would reach your house.
Like the majority of Floridians, you are at low
risk of wildfire and the rest of this brochure
does not apply to the safety of your home.
If you have undeveloped or wooded land near
your home, however, you could be at some
risk in the event of a wildfire. Use the following
criteria to assess your risk.
Vegetation
Walk around outside your home and look
carefully at the nearby land. The type, size,
and den'sity of the plants determine wildfire
risk. Some places may have characteristics of
more than one category.
Open this brochure and choose the
appropriate guidelines to change the
conditions that affect your risk level.
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You Are at Medium Risk if You See...
. Thick, continuous grasses, weeds,
or shrubs.
. Continuous thin layer of pine needles
and scattered pine trees.
. Scattered palmettos or shrubs up to 3
feet tall separated by patches of grass
or sand.
. A clear view into or across the
undeveloped area.
.
ATTACHMENT B
.
.
:;' FIR E W I 5 E
.. ,
~ONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST
To create your FIREWlSE structure, remember that tho
primary goals are luel and exposure reductlon.
'" Use construction matertals that are ftr&.r8siStant or oor>:
combusbblo whenever pos$/ble.. ., . .
'" Consider using materials such as CIass-A asphalt shingles,
slate or clay tile, metal, or cement and concrete procluc:ts
for roof coostruclioo.
'" Construct a fire.<esistant sulHoof for edded proteclIon.
'" Use fire roslstant materials such as stucco or m8SOfYy for
exterior waRs. These products are much belter than vinyl
which can soften and melt
'" Consider both Slza and materials for windows; smaner
panes hold up belter In their frames than larger ones;
double pane glasS and tempered glass are more effective
than single pane glaSS; pIastlc skyflQh!s can melt
'" Prevent sparks from entering your home through vents, by
covering exterior attic and underfloor vents with wire mesh
no larger than 1/8 of an Inch.
'" Keep your gutters, eaves and roof dear of leaves and other
debris.
'" Clear deed wood and dense vegetation within at least 30
foot from your house. and move firewood rrway from your
house or at1actvnents like fences or decks.
Any structure attached to the hou.... such as decks,
porches, fences and sheds should be considered part of
the house. These struCtures can act as luisas .or luel
bridge.. particularly If constructed frorilJlamnlable
materials. Th'eiefore, conilder the folloWing: ,...
'" If you ~ to ~Cii'an ~ fence to~~; use
masoniy or metal 8lI Ii piiitedive barT18r 'ooiween tile fence
and house. . . .. ", . ; " .
'" Use ncn-nammable metal when ccnsiructIng a trellis Md
cover with h1gtHnolstu'9. ~~ ~~tallOii:~: ";c
'" Prevent combustlbIe materials and d8br1s from "'., '",:
accumulating beneath patio decl< or elevated porches;
screen underneath or box In araea below the decl< or pordI .
with wire mesh 00 larger than 1/8 of an Inch. . .
-: ~:~ ,7.";.",
...
f", :, For additional information visit
, .:' . www.firewise.org
.
By following the Flrewlse tips listed In this pamphlet,
you can make your home safer from the effects of a
destructive wildfire.
e:L
THE TOP 3 CAUSES OF
WILDFIRES IN FLORIDA:
of Arson/Incendiary
of Escaped Debris Burning
of Lightning
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
VISIT THESE HELPFUL WEBSITES:
FLORIDA DIVISION OF FORESTRY
www.f1-dof.com
FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
www.f1oridadisaster.org
MYFLORIDA
www.myflorida.com
FIREWISE
www.firewise.org
FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR SAFE HOMES
www.f1ash.org
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
www.fsJed.us
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
www.fema.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTI
FLORIDA llEPt\ImIENT ~ AGRlCUl.TURE AND CONSUMER SEIMC!S
DhtoIoft 01 F-"Y
3125 Connor _. ,.,,110_ Fl3239ll-1&50
FlORlIlA DEPIUlTlII!HT ~ COIlMUNITY AFFAIRS
DhtoIoft oIEmo_ M_
2555 SIt...- Ooll_. TIt/la_, Fl32399-.2100
un .352.322 (ToO F...)
~ on r.qa.d..... ~ 2000
.
FIR E W I S E" :\~
LANDSCAPING CHECKLlST-
~ ._'F..
To create a landscape that will make your home less
vulnerable 10 wildfire, the primary goal Is luel reduction.
Think of the area around your home In lones. Zone 1 Is
closest 10 the structure, Zone 4 Is the farthest away.
Zone 1 this wel1-ln1gated area endrdes the structure for at
least 30 feet on an sides, providing space for fire
suppression equipment In the event of an
emergency. Plants should be nm~ed to carefully
spaced fire roslstant tree and shrub spedes.
Zone 2 Fire resistant plant materials should be used here.
Plants should be Iow-growlng, and the Irrigation
system should extand into this section.
Zone 3 Place Iow-growlng plants and well-spaced trees in
this area. remembering to keep the volume of
vegetation (fuel) low.
Zone 4 this furthest zone from the structure is a natural
area. Thin selectively here and remove highly
flammable vegetation.
Also remember to:
'" Carefully space the trees you plant
of Take out lh9 '1adder fuels" - vegetation thaI serves as a
,. link between grass and tree toPs. These fuels can carry
. fire from vegetation to a structure or from a structure to
'vegetatlon. " '. ~':c;.~ . , .
When maln~lnl~g.'a--I'~ds~a~: ~;:'
\ of Keep trees and shrubs pnJried. PrUne all trees six to 10
\':-.Ioot tiom the ground. ".' ,
of ~ .your lawn regularly.
'" DIsPose of aJttlngs and debris promptly according to IocsI
regulatIOns,
'" Landscape with less-flammable plants: Dogwood,
VlbuITl1Jm, Redbud, Sycamore. Magnolia, Beautyberry.
Oaks. Red Ma~. Wild Azalea, Sweetgum, Coontle,
Winged 8m, slaic:I< Cheny, Perslmmon, Wild Plum.
Sugarberry, F1oridii'SoapbOOy, Fringetnle, Ferns. Wild
OlIve. Blue Beech. ~~. and Sparfdebeny.
~ ~_ UnMnllydFlaido,
. "-'o/Foodond~lso...:-
. .'y'~
. ~. ...
For additional information visit '
www.firewise.org --.:
.
.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Do you have at least 30 II of space surrounding your
home that is Loan, Clean and Green?
The objective of Derensible Space is to reduce the
wildfire threat to your home by changing the
characteristics of the surrounding vegetation.
Lean - Pnme shrubs and CUI back tree branches,
especially within 15 feet of your chimney.
Clean - Remove all dead plant malerial from around
your home; this includes dead leaves, dry grass and
even stacked firewood
Green - Plant fire-resistant vegetation that is healthy
and green throughout the year.
(:~ Old Defensible space allows firefighters
~) ~1 room to put out fires.
FIRE-RESISTANT ATTACHMENTS
Attachments include any structure connected to your
home, such as decks. porches or fences. If an
attachment to a home is not fire-resistant. then the
home as a whole is not firewiss.
to. DISASTER PLAN
The time to plan for a fire emergency is now. Take a
few minutes to discuss with your family what actions
you will need to take.
Post your 10C<l1 firefighting agency's telephone
number in a visible place.
Docide where you 'Nill go and how you will get there.
Unlike evacuating for a hurricane, with fire you may
only have a moments notice. Two escape routes out
of your home and out of your neighborhood are
preferable.
Havo tools available: shovel, rake, axe.
handsaw or chainsaw, and a 2 gallon bucket
Maintain an adequate water source
Have a plan for your pets
Practice family fire drills
~ (Xd Evacuations tor a wildfire can occur
( You without notice; When wildfire conditions
"'-I exl.~ BE ALERT,
.
.
~LEAN, CLEAN AND GREEN
:LANDSCAPING
With firewise landscaping. you can create defensible
space around your home that reduces your wildfire
threat. Large, leafy. hardwood trees should be pruned
so that the lowest branches are at least 6 to 10 II high
to prevent a fire on the ground from spreading up to
the tree tops. Within the defensible space, remove
flammable plants thaI contain resins, oils and waxes
that bum readily: Palmatto. wax myrtle, yaupoo holly,
red cedar, and young pine. A list of less-flammable
plants can be found within this brochure.
FIRE.RESISTANT ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
Firewise construction materials include Ctass.A
asphalt shingles. metal, cement and concrete
products. Additionally. the inclusion of a fire-
resistant sub-roof adds protection.
~:.
~ "'-,
Something as simple as making
sure that your gutters, eaves
and roof are clear of debris can
reduce your fire threat.
FIRE-RESISTANT EXTERIOR
CONSTRUCTION
Wall materials which resist heat and flames include
cement. plaster, stucco and concrete masonry. Dovble
pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to
wildfire heat and flames.
Although some vinyl will not burn, during the
Florida wildfires or 1998, firefightors found that
some vinyl soffits melted allowing embers into
the attic space.
c::::>
.EMERGENCY ACCESS
Identify yoos home and neighbortlood with legible and
dearly mar1<ed slrnet names and numbers so emergency
vehicles can rapidly find the kx:ation of the emergency.
Include a driveway thai Is alleasl 12 feet wide with a
c;::;. vertical clearance of 15 feet -to provide access to
emergency apparatus.
.
ATTACHMENT C
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.
WINTER SPRINGS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
102 NORTH MOSS ROAD
WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708
TELEPHONE: (407) 327-2332
FAX (407) 327-4750
MEMORANDUM
To: Ronald W. McLemore, City Manager
From: Timothy J. Lallathin, Fire Chief
Date: May 1, 2001
Subject: Thompson property, 715 Sybilwood Circle
On the above date, Fire Marshal Bob Dallas, and myself did a drive-by check of
Mr. Thompson's residence.
There does not appear to be a wildland - urban fire interface concern at this
time. The pine trees that Mr. Thompson seemed concerned about appear to
have already been removed.
.
The rest of the landscaping on the property also appears to be well kept and
within the guidelines of defensible space as described by the Division of Forestry.
No dead or decaying vegetation was noted.
The residence has a limited combustible roof of asphalt and fiberglass shingles,
and there did not appear to be a build-up of leaves or other type vegetation on
the roof surface.
An area of small scrub oaks in the front of the residence are well trimmed and do
not pose any type of fire hazard, as they appear to be quite green and growing
well.
Over all, there does not appear to be a significant fire hazard with this property,
as it relates to the Division of Forestry guidelines.
Respectfully submitted,
-i~L~~f
.