Agenda Item Name:
Title
Presentation on Alachua County Tree Protection Code & Buffer Requirements
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Presenter:
Christine Berish
Description:
Presentation on the tree protection standards in the Unified Land Development Code, Top 3 examples of tree mitigation, Comp Plan and ULDC requirements on Buffers, and clearing of development sites during construction.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Hear Staff’s Presentation
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Prior Board Motions:
April 20, 2022: Staff is to bring back to the Board a discussion about the Board’s current policy related to both tree mitigation and protection and how the Growth Management Department interprets these policies in conjunction with the Board’s Open Space requirements. As part of the discussion staff should report the top 3 tree mitigation incidences over the last three years with a discussion about how the developer and staff determined/calculated the tree mitigation and open space requirements. May 24, 2022: Staff bring back a presentation on buffers in the ULDC and Comprehensive Plan. The Board would like to know about the way in which we develop. Are there incentives for not clearing everything at once? Can it be phased or not clear lots?
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
NA
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Environment
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Background:
At the April 20, 2022 Budget Meeting, the Board requested Staff provide the current Board with an overview of the Tree Protection in the Land Development Code that was adopted in November of 2020. The motion included a request as to how Staff identifies areas to protect, and information regarding how the ULDC is working to retain or mitigate for trees.
On May 24, 2022 the Board also requested a presentation regarding landscape buffer requirements between existing and new development. The request also included a need to understand more about the way in which development occurs. Construction appears to be clearing everything at one time and what are the incentives to phase the clearing or leave lots with existing vegetation.