Code of Ordinances
Pensacola, FL
Chapter 12-6. Tree/Landscape Regulations
The purpose of the Pensacola landscape codes is to preserve an ecological balance of the environment, control erosion, sedimentation and storm water runoff, provide shade, reduce heat, abate noise pollution and buffer incompatible land use
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The code specifies percentage of developed land devoted to landscaping based on the zoning district that ranges from 20-25%. The code addresses specific design component minimums to achieve this goal and begins with requirements for the street yard buffer. A 10’ wide strip located along the property line in areas adjacent to rights of way shall be landscaped. One tree for each 35’ shall be preserved or planted in the buffer. An irrigation system is required with individual buffers installed for each tree. 70% of these trees must be shade trees and must be maintained so that they do not obstruct visibility between 3’ and 9’ above the grade of the street.
The percentage determined for the land use will be used towards the vehicular use area, after subtracting any required buffers from the percentage. The interior VUA landscaping must be arranged to provide shade and to facilitate efficient storm water drainage. The code specifies minimum island areas based on the class of tree used and the spacing of islands. For existing trees preserved in the VUA, a minimum area of 75% of the drip line area for the tree must be landscaped with the possibility of 100% requirement if deemed necessary my the city. A curb is required to protect landscaped areas and must not interfere with allowing percolation of water to the root system.
A landscape plan is required for multi-family residential, commercial and industrial developments. A building permit will not be issued until this plan is approved and a final inspection after installation is required to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The landscape plan must have the size and species of each plant, all proposed improvements to the site, an irrigation plan and landscape and tree protection techniques proposed.
The code encourages protection of existing trees, especially those of 12: dbh or greater. Relocation or removal of larger trees requires a permit, if a tree is removed it must be replaced by the same species, the number of replacement trees is based on the size of the existing tree. If the trees cannot be replaced on site due to space limitations, a fee of $250 for each tree shall be paid to the Tree Planting Trust Fund. If there are no existing protected trees are identified, one new tree for every 1000 s.f. of impervious area must be planted. For new single family residential area, one tree must be planted within 10’ of the right of way.
In addition to landscape requirements, the code also addresses storm water management requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to alleviate damaging effects on downstream bodies of water resulting from erosion, sedimentation, runoff and accumulation of debris. Any changes to a site that may disrupt existing storm water runoff patterns must submit a storm water management plan. This plan must include topographic information, existing environmental and hydrologic conditions, predicted impacts, all components of the storm water management system and a maintenance schedule.
All storm water management systems must be designed for a fifty year life, a 25 year storm event and shall be designed to protect flooding and not contribute to the breeding of mosquitoes. The system must capture the first inch of runoff on the site. Any storm water facilities that receive water from areas with a potential for oil and grease contamination must include a baffle, skimmer, or grease trap. Channeling runoff directly into water bodies is prohibited, the use of a system to increase time of concentration, decrease velocity, increase infiltration, allow suspended solids to settle and remove pollutants is required.
The Pensacola landscape code acknowledges the value of the landscape within the city with a 20-25% landscape requirement. The standards for vehicular use areas and street yard planting areas are fairly common. The department that is responsible for landscape improvements are unique, the department of leisure activities. The control of landscape requirements by a department with this name undermines the importance of environmental protection by labeling it as leisure. The code could be more robust in terms of design components; a vehicular use area and a street yard planting area are minimal attempts to promote the environment in the built landscape. The storm water requirements address the problems created off site by development and takes good measures to mitigate any problems. Overall this code does an adequate job of protecting the environment, but has the potential to do more.
Dan Farrah