HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 05 29 Regular H Arbor Replacement Fees and Fire Safety
Date: 05292001
The following Agenda Item H was not heard at
the 05/14/2001 Meeting and was continued for
the OS/29/2001 Special Meeting.
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COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM H
Consent
Informational
Public Hearing
Regular .X
Mar:}, 2001
Meeting
Mgr,/lw\ I apt
Authorization
REQUEST:
The Community Development Department-Code Enforcement Division requests
the City COlrnnission considers infonnation regarding arbor replacement fees and
fire safety. ;
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 I 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 a~d
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.
"Q
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
Page 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 nsionl
Exinfo.html
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods
http://hort.ufl.edu/fyn/
Landscaping for Wildlife
http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/
Landscaping for Energy
http://www .agen. 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-d of. coml
Firewise Communities
http://www . fi rewise.o rg/co m m unities
Smokey Bear
http://www.smokeybear.com/
Other Organization Web sites:
The Nature Conservancy - Florida Chapter
http://www . tncflorida .orgl
Tall Timbers Research Station
http://www.talltim 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
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1. Trim lower branches up to 1 0 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 fire. They contain resins, oils, and
waxes that burn readily. Many other plants are
not as flammable.
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://flame.fl-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 Irom 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 01 Congress; and Is authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard 10
race. color, age, sex, handicap or national origin. The information in this publication is avaiiable
in alternate formals. 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 Cenler,
University of Florida, PO Box 110011, Gainesville. FL 32611.0011. Information about
alternate formals is available from Educational Media and Services, University 01 Florida. ~...
PO Box 110810. Gainesville, FL 32611-0810. This Information was published December .
1999 as FOR 71, Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Revised January 2001. . . /
Photo and Graphic Credits: Alison Bowers, Brian Goe, Kimberly......... '''------_--/<
Heuberger, Larry Korhnak, 6,Jan Long, Susan Marynowski, Jana Miller ~...,.~.___,~...,
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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 get 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, persimm"on, 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 Division of Forestry (DOF) 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 DOF to report
nearby land that has a dangerous
build-uo of fuels.
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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 density 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
.' FIREWISE
CONSTRUCTION CHECKLIST
To create your FIREWlSE structure, remember lIlat the
primary goals are fuel and exposure reduction.
tI' Use constnJdion materials that are ~tMt or nor>-
combustible whenever pos$IbIe.,
tI' Consider using materials suc:h as Oass-A asphalt shingles.
slate or day ble. metal. or cement and concrete producls
for roof a:>nsb1JClion.
tI' Construct a fire-<esistant sub-rool for edded protactIon,
tI' Use fire resistant materials suc:h as stucco or mllSOfYY for
exterior waRs. These products are much better lhan vinyl
'Wflich can soften and melt
tI' Consider bolll size and materials for windows; smaner
panes hold up better In lheir frames than larger ones;
double pane glass and tempered glass are more effective
than single pane glass; plastlc skyftghts can melt
tI' Prevent spar1<s from entering your home through vents. by
covering exterior attic and underlloor vents with wire mesh
no larger than 1/8 of an Inch.
tI' Keep your gutters. eaves and roof dear of leaves and other
debris.
tI' Clear dead wood and dense vegetation within at least 30
feet from your house. and move ilrewood uway from your
house or attachments Ilke fences or decks.
Any structure attaeh&d to the house, such as decks,
porches, fences and sheds should be considered part of
the house. Tho.... .tructures can act as fu.... or fuel
bridges, particularly If constructed frori1,f1amrriable
materials. Thereforo. consider tho folloWing: ' .
tI' If you wish to ~ch'an ~~ f8noe to~~, use
masonry or metal as a pftitodive barTler 'oolween the fence
and house. ' .. . ,',' , '" ; '- ..
tI' Use non-nammablo metal when consiructing a tr'eIDs aOd
cover with hlgt>-molsture, fire.iesls!anl ~!'9"talkiO.~""~'
. :- . - ~
tI' Prevent combustible materials and debris from ., ,
accumulating beneath patio deck or elevated porches;
saeen undemealll or box In area. below the deck or porch
with wire mesh no large< than 1/8 of an Inch. -,
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. -: .' For additional information visit
, ,.' www.firewise.org
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By fOllowing the Flrewlse tips listed In this pamphlet,
you can make your home safer from the effects of a
destructive wlldflre.
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THE TOP 3 CAUSES OF
WILDFIRES IN FLORIDA:
"" Arson/Incendiary
"" Escaped Debris Burning
"" Lightning
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
VISIT THESE HELPFUL WEBSITES:
FLORIDA DIVISION OF FORESTRY
www.fl-dof.com
FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
www.floridadisaster_org
MYFLORIDA
www.myflorida.com
FIREWISE
www.firewise.org
FLORIDA ALLIANCE FOR SAFE HOMES
www.flash.org
U.S. FOREST SERVICE
www.fsJed.us
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
wwwJema.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACTI
FUlRlDA IlEPI\RTVEHT OF AGRICUUURE AND CONSUMER SERYIC!8
DhtoIon '" F~
3125 Conner Bou_. Tal>thoaM, A. 32-'1850
Fl.ORlDA IlEPI\RTVEHT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
_"'~M_
25M SIuNrd Ook _ ._. A. 32399-2100
un.3Sl.322 (1bI F_)
Pft-.:Ionlwqded~.~2:DOO
FIREWISE ".
LANDSCAPING CHECKLI.ST
To creata a land.cape that will make your home less
vulnerable to wildfire. tha prlmary goal I. fuel reduction,
ThInk of tho area around your home In zones. Zono 1 Is
closest to the structure, Zone 4 Is the farthest .way.
Zone 1 this weII-lrrlgated area eOOrd"" the structure for at
least 30 feet on an sides. prcMding space for fire
suppression equipment In the event of an
emergency. Plants should ba limited to carefully
.paced nre resistant tree and shrub species,
Zone 2 FIre resistant plant materials should be used here,
Plants should be Iowilrowing, and lIle irrigation
system should extend Into IIlls section,
Zono 3 Place Iowijrowing plants and well-spaced trOQS In
this area. rememberlng to keep lIle volume of
vegetation (fue~ low.
Zone 4 this furll1est zone from the structure is a natural
erea. ThIn selec:llvely here and remove highly
nammable vegetation.
Also remember to: .
"" Carefully space the trOOs you plant
'" Take out lh<i ,.dder fuels' - vegetation that serVes as a
Un!< batween grass and tree toPs. ~ fuels can,carry "
, 'JIril from vegetation to a structure or from a structure to
'v~ . -_" ..~,"_ !~~~~~ '~'_";~I~:;.' ~;':; .
When maintaining '--Iands,~a~:
'""" Keep trees and slvubs pi\lried. Prune all trees, six to 10
';;'~teetfi'Ol1lthe ground. '-, '
"" ~ ,yoor lawn regularly.
"" DIspOse of cuttings and debris promptly accon:Jing to IocaJ
regulations,
"" Landscape with les&-ftammable plants: Dogwood.
Vibumum, Redbud, Sycamore, Magnolia. Beautyberry.
Oaks, Red Maple. Wild Azalea. Sweetgum. Coontle.
WInged Sm, B13Ck CherTy. Persimmon, Wild Plum.
Sugarbeny. FlorldifSoapbOOy. FrlngetTee, Fems. Wild
ODve, Blue Beech, ~m. and Sparldebeny.
~ ~ SorVco. u.w..llydFlaido,
:' '::-~.dFoodond~Sderoos
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For additional information visit
www.firewise.org
DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Do you have at least 30 II of space surrounding your
home that is Lean. Clean and Green?
The obje<;tjve of Defensible Space is to reOuce the
wildfire threat to your home by changing the
characteristics of the surrounding vegetation.
Lean - Prune shrubs and Cl.Jt back tree branches,
especially within 15 feet of your chimney.
Clean - Remove all dead plant materiallrom around
your home; this indudes dead leaves. dry grass and
even stacked firewood
Green - Plant fire-resistant vegetation that is healthy
and green throughout the year.
~ ~c:, Defensible space allows firefighters
~) JIC.roOo<w? 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
nome as a whole is not firewise.
~ 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 local firefighting agency'S telephone
number in a visible place.
Decide where you will 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 neighbomood are
preferable.
Have 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
~ CXd Evacuations tor a wildfire can occur
{ You without notice; When wildfire conditions
"'-, exist. 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 spece, remove
flammable plants that contain resins, oils and waxes
that bum readily: Palmetto. wax myrtle. yaupon holly.
red ceOar. and young pine. A list of Iess.flammable
plants can be found within this brOChure.
FIRE-RESISTANT ROOF
CONSTRUCTION
Firewise construction materials indude Class-A
asphalt shingles. metal. cement and concrete
products. Additionally. the indusion of a fire-
resistant sutKoof adds prote<;tjon.
~~
~ "'-1
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 indude
cement. plaster, stucco and concrete masonry. Double
pane glass windows can make a home more resistant to
wildfira heat and flames.
~ Old Although some vinyl will not burn. during the
You Florida wildfires of 1998. firefighters found that
JCnow' some vinyl soffits melted allowing embers into
tho o!tic space.
.::::?
.EMERGENCY ACCESS
identify your home and neighborhood with legible and
clearfy marked street names and numbern so emergency
vehicles can rapidly find the location of the emergency.
Include a driveway that Is at least 12 feet wide with a
c;:::;.. vertical cl9arance of 15 feet - to provide access to
emergency apparatus.
ATTACHMENT C
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,
rf;L~~f