To Second Annotated Code of Ocala, FL
Code of Ordinances
City of Ocala, FL
Ordinance No. 5306
Chapter 118 Trees, Landscaping and other vegetation
Article II Tree Protection, Article III Landscaping and Site Restoration
The purpose of the Ocala code is to utilize and protect trees as a vital natural resource for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and to protect and enhance tee cover in the city.
The Ocala landscape code requires a landscape plan that must include a tree survey to protect trees over 4” d.b.h. Any proposed development or modification of an existing development that will be approved through the site plan review process must meet this requirement as well as a minimum tree coverage requirement. The requirements vary based on zoning; some sites are required to have one shade tree per every 3000 s.f. while other areas require 1 shade tree for every 5000 s.f. This requirement may be met entirely by preservation of existing trees over 4” d.b.h If the minimum amount of trees required cannot be placed on the site due to limitations of lot size, a cash payment for the required trees may be made to the city to be placed in a tree fund.
In addition to the tree protection /canopy requirements, a landscape/open space is required. Minimum landscaped open space is based on the size of the site, 12% open space for sites of less than 25,000 s.f., 15% for sites 25,000 s.f. up to 1 acre, and 20% for sites one acre and larger. All sites one acre or larger must have an irrigation system that will irrigate 100% of all landscaped areas during establishment. Site of less than one acre must provide 100% coverage permanently; this may be reduced by using native and drought tolerant vegetation. All off street parking areas must have a minimum 5’ landscape buffer on any sections adjacent to a street. 10% of the vehicular use area must be composed of landscaping. Each landscaped island must contain at least one shade tree and be no smaller than 360 s.f. with a minimum width of 6’. Parking stalls must have a landscaped island so that there are no more than 40 spaces in a row. Paved areas other than parking areas must have 1 s.f. of interior landscaping for each 50 s.f. of paving for areas exceeding 5000 s.f.
The protection of existing trees depends a great deal on how trees are to be preserved during the construction process. The Ocala code gives strict requirements to insure the safety of trees intended to be protected. Grade changes on the site and especially around trees is discouraged, protective tree barricades, tree wells for grade changes over 4” of fill, pervious surfaces for traffic areas close to trees and trenching within the drip line of a tree are concerns addressed by this code. Site protection in this code does not stop with tree preservation and protection. Soil conservation to prevent erosion is also required. Erosion control must be implemented during construction as well as after construction.
The Ocala, FL landscape code is impressive in its protection of the natural, existing environment. Many codes offer incentives for preserving existing trees but not place great emphasis towards achieving the goal of protecting the environment. With strong tree preservation, tree protection and canopy requirements it is evident that the existing environment is of utmost importance. Standard landscape requirements such as VUA screening and interior VUA requirements are an important addition. Many communities have tree protection requirements but do not go far enough to promote new planting in addition to the protection/preservation requirements. This code is a good example of a community that recognizes the value of its natural landscape and takes great measure to assure its future survival.
Site plans are required for new construction and expansions for all properties excluding single family residential developments. The plans must be prepared and sealed by an engineer, landscape architect, architect or land planner to the extent allowed by state law.. The code gives a long list of specific requirements including land use and zoning of site, adjacent land use, percentage of impervious areas, parking area construction materials, etc. The landscape plan must contain open space calculations, VUA landscaping calculations, a tree survey, dimensions of tree protection areas, existing shade tree protection calculations, and required buffers.
Dan Farrah