1/13/22 @ 11:20 a.m.
The Tree Protection Ordinance provides standards and regulations to ensure a minimum number of trees are maintained on any lot of parcel; protects and preserves native tree species; protects and preserves natural landscape; fosters and encourages maintenance of natural vegetation; and minimizes loss of trees to development.
Ordinance No. 2021-012 was adopted on August 9, 2021, with an effective date of February 7, 2022.
So what does this mean for residential properties and individuals who live in the unincorporated areas (outside the City limits) of Amelia Island?
Please note that the Tree Ordinance also applies to non-residential, multi-family and redevelopment.
Before removing any tree, residents, developers, contractors, and commercial property owners should review Section 37.02 of the Land Development Code to understand how the requirements apply to them. Questions should be directed to County Arborist, Garner Cox, at (904) 530-6300 or via email at [email protected].
Please note that
-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
The Tree Protection Ordinance provides standards and regulations to ensure a minimum number of trees are maintained on any lot of parcel; protects and preserves native tree species; protects and preserves natural landscape; fosters and encourages maintenance of natural vegetation; and minimizes loss of trees to development.
Ordinance No. 2021-012 was adopted on August 9, 2021, with an effective date of February 7, 2022.
So what does this mean for residential properties and individuals who live in the unincorporated areas (outside the City limits) of Amelia Island?
- The new Ordinance applies to ALL LAND in the unincorporated area of Amelia Island
- Existing single-family, duplexes and mobile home properties will require a permit for removal of a protected tree. These property uses were previously exempt from tree protection and replacement requirements but are no longer exempt under the new ordinance
- New development will require the submission of a tree protection and replacement plan, and will require replacement of twenty-five percent (25%) of the total caliper inches of the protected trees removed.
- A specimen tree is defined as any healthy Live Oak Quercus Virginiana and Sand Live Oak Quercus geminate measuring forty (40) inches or more in diameter at breast height, or a multi-trunk live oak, as determined by an ISA-certified arborist with an aggregate measurement of sixty (60) inches or more in diameter at breast height
- Removal of any healthy protected tree without a permit or exemption will require violators to replace inch-for-inch one caliper inch for every inch of DBH removed
- Removal of any healthy specimen tree without a permit or exemption will result in a fine up to $15,000
- The property owner and contractor, or person(s) who performed the tree removal, may be held jointly liable
Please note that the Tree Ordinance also applies to non-residential, multi-family and redevelopment.
Before removing any tree, residents, developers, contractors, and commercial property owners should review Section 37.02 of the Land Development Code to understand how the requirements apply to them. Questions should be directed to County Arborist, Garner Cox, at (904) 530-6300 or via email at [email protected].
Please note that
-Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
RSS Feed