Code of Ordinances
Atlantis, Florida
Chapter 8.5 Landscaping and Tree Protection
The intent of this landscape ordinance is to promote water conservation, encourage use of native plants, and to improve environmental quality. This code applies to all new development. Tree protection is mentioned early in this code and is clearly an important factor. The code states that protection of vegetation should be given every consideration.
A landscape plan is required to be submitted to the architectural review committee and approved prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The plan must include a written statement regarding the impact on vegetation. The plans also are required to have a survey of existing vegetation and all trees 2” dbh and/or 10’ in height or greater. The plans must contain VUA and development site calculations, irrigation system, and all proposed plant materials.
Landscape requirements are based on zoning as in most ordinances. Commercial districts are required to have 25% of the total lot area to be landscaped with one tree per 2000 s.f. required. Requirements are also given for multi-family residential and hospital zones with 30% and 25% required landscaping respectively. Single family residential areas are required to have a 1 tree per 5000 s.f. of the total lot with 5 trees minimum. Existing trees may be credited towards this requirement.
For vehicular use areas, a minimum of 30% of the VUA must be landscaped. One tree per 250 s.f. is required; all landscape areas must be covered with grass, ground cover or mulch. The landscaped areas may be either interior or within 10’ of the perimeter. Tree requirements are based on a chart with proposed tree crown diameter and tree heights. This provides greater credit for planting of larger specimens.
The Atlantis landscape code is clearly concerned with protection of existing vegetation which is often overlooked. Tree protection is fairly standard in this code as are other requirements. The VUA requirements could use more detail in describing placement of landscape materials. This code is also missing a street tree planting area which is contained in most landscape ordinances. The code gives ample detail on plan submission, including the number of copies and the size of drawings, something that is very helpful and not found in many codes.
Dan Farrah