Code of Ordinances
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Chapter 24 Zoning, Subdivision,
and Land Development Regulations
Article III Zoning Regulations
Division 8. Landscaping
Chapter 23 Vegetation
Article II Tree Protection
The Atlantic Beach landscape ordinance does not contain an introduction as is included in most landscape ordinances which serves the purpose of stating overall goals and justification for the code. This code rather starts off with definitions and then proceeds with the technical requirements. This code applies to all uses other than single family residential properties.
A landscape plan is required prior to the issuance of any development permits and must be approved by the community development director. The plan may be prepared by the owner, a licensed landscape architect or other qualified professional. The plan requirements are fairly standard; the plans also require calculations for paved areas, preservation areas and gross acreage which is not always required for landscape plans.
Vehicular use areas are required to have 10% of the area landscaped. Interior islands are to be placed in a way that directs traffic flow and provides visual relief from large expanses of paving. 25% of each island must be composed of shrubs at 3’ on center, with the remainder occupied by ground cover, mulch or grass. One tree is required per 4000 s.f. of total vehicular use area. All vehicular use areas that are adjacent to a right of way must have a 10’ wide landscaped perimeter. At least 75% of the frontage must be screened at a height of 3’. One tree is required for every 25’ of frontage and may be clustered provided none are more than 75’ apart. A 5’ buffer is required where vehicular use areas are adjacent to lot lines. One tree per 50’ of edge is required and may be clustered. Existing vegetation may count towards any of the vehicular use area screening requirements.
The tree protection standards begin with an introduction with goals for the ordinance unlike the landscape division. The tree protection standards are designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the city, improve environmental quality, and encourage water and energy conservation and to provide physical and psychological benefits.
The tree protection ordinance applies to all protected trees in the city. Protected trees are composed of private protected trees, public protected trees and specimen trees. Private protected trees are any tree on private property within 20’ of a street right of way, 20’ from the rear property line, or within 7-1/2’ of a side property line with a 6” dbh or greater. Any tree with a 20” dbh anywhere on a residential lot or a 10” dbh on a commercial or industrial lot are also protected. Public property trees are the same as the above mentioned private designations except on public land. All trees 10” dbh or greater on public land are protected. Specimen trees are any trees that are determined by the city commission to be of unique value. Tree protection standards for single family residential are only applicable if there is a permit for an improvement valued at $10,000 or more.
The tree protection ordinance not only specifies protected trees and measures for replacement, but also includes tree planting requirements as would normally be found in the landscape ordinance. The landscape ordinance in this case only covers buffers and vehicular use areas. For residential properties including single family, one 4” caliper tree per 2500 s.f. of lot area must be planted or preserved.
Prior to any site clearing or tree removal, a site plan showing preservation areas, protective barriers and protected trees must be submitted. Protected trees may be removed after approval and must be replaced by 1-1/2 times the caliper inches removed. Oaks removed must be replaced by oaks only. The code also specifies enforcement, tree protection standards, a tree conservation board.
This code overall is strong, especially in the area of tree protection. Detailed requirements are given and plan submission and inspections are detailed. The code is difficult to follow because of the way it is organized. Grouping the tree protection and landscape requirements together along with easy to follow charts would make this code much more user friendly.
Dan Farrah