The proposed amendments to Chapter 138 include clarification of requirements and processes relating to landscaping, open space and indigenous vegetation.  The amendment also includes a general “clean up” of the recommended trees and palms for plantings list based upon consultation with UF/IFAS Extension Staff and licensed Landscape Architects.  

 Key substantive amendments include the following:

• Clarification of open space and indigenous vegetation requirements, including unique requirements for “large” and “small” developments.

• Addition of heritage tree protection regulations, including replacement criteria.

• Modifications to the buffer yard table and buffer requirements, including clarification on recreational buffering requirements.

• Addition of alternative landscape betterment process to reflect Staff’s current policy and procedures for administratively approving deviations from the buffer yard requirements.

• Addition of language to address conflicts between utilities and landscaping based upon consultant with Public Works Staff.

• Refinements and minor modifications to specific corridor street tree requirements.

• Elimination of the recommended trees list as the listing is not enforceable and contains several undesirable species.

•  Refinement to prohibited and nuisance species.

The amendments will improve the Land Development Code’s consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and are generally intended to provide flexibility, innovative and creative design approaches, and a more predictable and clear set of processes and procedures for pursuing development in the City.

The proposed amendment received input from the Land Development Code stakeholder committee for these and other amendments. 

Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board considered this item at its regular and advertised public hearing on April 3, 2019. The Planning Board recommended several substantive changes to the draft which staff supports. The Planning Board found the requested amendments consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code and voted 9-0 to recommend approval to the City Council.