Local Government: Gainesville in Alachua County, Florida
Date Created: 12/11/08
Last updated: 02/09/09
Gainesville, FL Tables Request to Develop Goals and Objectives for the City's Comprehensive Plan with respect to Trees
The City Commission will consider the Tree Advisory Board's Proposal for Changes to the Land Development Code. Tree Advisory Board (TAB) duties include charges to "clarify tree regulations
that exist in the city's codes," "advise all departments of the city on tree issues,"
and help "develop the goals and objectives for the city's comprehensive plan
with respect to trees." The 2000 Comprehensive Plan commits to maintaining Gainesville's tree canopy at 1994 levels (60%). Recent UF research documents
canopy coverage in 2005 declined at 50%. Widespread Cabbage Palm death in
nearby counties and Laurel Wilt disease (predicted to cause the extinction of
Red Bay in several years) make it critical to diversify the urban forest and
provide better tree protection now. The TAB has identified Code requirements
that are contrary to best arboricultural practices. The proposed changes
correct these. In addition, the TAB proposes major changes in the protection of
Heritage trees. Gainesville's penalties for lethal construction damage to or
outright removal of Heritage trees are minimal compared to other cities. The
other most serious threat to Gainesville's continued status as a Tree City is the
insufficient space being set aside for young shade trees on development projects.
Current Code encourages planting young shade trees under cramped
circumstances to meet close set-back requirements. The result will be damage to
buildings and pavement within a decade or two. The Board has consulted with
various experts, affected parties, City departments and the public about these
problems. Due to the extensive nature of the proposed changes, some city
departments are continuing to evaluate the impact of the propsed changes on
their operations and will be providing their comments. The TAB believes these
proposed changes to existing Code language, if adopted, will result in a much
more sustainable urban forest and assure Gainesville's future as a community
with wonderful trees.
Issue History
| 02/09/09 | At the 12/18/08 meeting, City Commission approved a request to refer this matter to the City Plan Board, and it will be due back 6/18/09.
| | 12/11/08 | At the 12/18/08 meeting, the City Commission will consider a request to refer the Tree Advisory Board's
proposed changes to the Plan Board, requesting the Plan Board to direct Planning staff to prepare the
petition for review.
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Related Documents
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| Lobbying Information |
Require lobbyist registration? Yes
Lobbyist registration fee? $0
Additional information: The City of Gainesville Lobbying Ordinance requires registration of all lobbyists who engage in efforts to influence the Mayor or City Commissioners or Board members of the CRA on matters within Commission or CRA jurisdiction. Prior to engaging in lobbying, each lobbyist will be required to file with the Clerk of the Commission a registration statement which contains general identification information as to the lobbyist and their client(s). The Lobbyist Registration form is available here.
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