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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-08301ORDINANCE NO: 4117P4. AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 64► ENTITLED "PROTtdTIONAND REMOVAL OF TREES" or THE CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA AND ENACTING,A NEW CHAPTER 64 ENTITLED'tNVIRON- MENTAL PRESERVATION"TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION OF AREAS WITH EXTENSIVE TREE CANOPY, SCENIC ROUTES, UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL:FORMATIONS AND OTHERSIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES; PROVIDING FOR SPECIAL REVIEW PROCEDURES AND OUTLINING A PROCESS FOR PUBLICLY IDENTIFYING AND PRESERVING ENVIRON- MENTALLY SIGNIFICANT SITES OR AREAS; PROVIDING THAT IF ANY SECTION, CLAUSE OR SUB=SECTION SHALL BE DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL, IT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS; REPEALING, ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, WHEREA Advisory Board of the City of Miami, Florida to update Chapter 64 of the. City Code, entitled "PROTECTION AND REMOVAL OF TREES"; and this ordinance was proposed by the. Planning WHEREAS, this ordinance will provide for the preservation of areas with extensive tree canopy, scenic routes, unique geological formations and other significant environmental features; and WHEREAS, this ordinance will provide for specialreview procedures and outline a process for publicly identifying and preserving environmentally significant sites or areas; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA: Section I, An ordinance entitled "ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION OF TREES," is hereby enacted to read as follows; Ei ti`th0N tNTAb PittgttVA !tdi 64-1. Definitions 64-2. tntent § 64-3, Applicability of Chapter § 64-4. Environmental Preservation Review Board § 64-5. Administrative Assistant to the Environmental Preser- vation Review Board § 64-6. 'Environmental Preservation Districts § 64-7. Permitting Procedures § 64-8. Application Requirements § 64-9. Criteria and Conditions for Tree Removal § 64-10. Tree Protection § 64-11. Environmental Preservation Review Standards § 64-12. Exceptions § 64-13. Removal of Trees from Public Lands § 64-14. Public, Notice §.64-15. Penalty for Violation of Chapter, § 64-16. Fees § 64-17. Jurisdiction E TVtRONMENTAL t3.RE8ERVATt(7 Section 64=1. Definitiohb. 'or the purposes of this chapter the following Words and phrases shall have g _p y asc to theft by p � tie thehe.'ttieahin s res ectitiei ascribed this Section: (a) Buildable Area: The portion of a site Within the required yard areas on which, a structure., or improvements may be erected. (b) Development Activity: The carrying out of any building operation, or making any material change in the use or appearance of any structure or land use character. (c) Environmental Preservation Districts: Geographical areas, parcels or corridors, which may be identified in the future, established by the City Commission as significant natural or man-made attributes in need ofpreservation and control because of their educational, economic, ecological and environmental importance to the welfare of the general public and the City as a whole. (d) Environmentally significant features: Natural or man- made artifacts, sites or features which possess attributes in need of preservation and control because of their economic, educational: or environmental importance to the welfare of the general public and the. City as a whole. Environmentally significant features include all trees within the City and specifically designated natural, topographical or geological formations, mangrove areas, natural hammocks, unique scenic vistas or transportation. corridors and rare and valuable plant material. Tree: Any self-supporting perennial plant which has a trunk diameter of three inches measured three feet above grade or normally grows to an overall height of fifteen feet. (f) Tree Removal: Act of cutting down, destroying, moving or effectively destroying through damaging a tree situated on any real property within the City of Miami. (g) Yard Area: The front, side and rear yard areas as established and required by the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of Miami, Florida. (h) Tree Canopy: The two dimensional surface area of a tree as viewed from above. Section 64-2. Intent; (a) To preserve and protect trees and other significant environmental features within the City of Miami, (b) To.reqUirethe design 'and .Construction of all developMent activity be ekeduted in manner, coiisisteht With the preservation of trees'and other Significant'environ= Mental feature§ td the greatest eMteht possiblea (c) To provide guidelines and review procedures for controlling developttient.activity Which may alter, destroy, or be detri= mental to etistincj.-trees, significant ehvirohtnental features and sceniC areas. (d) Pb proVide the framework and` legal mechanism for publicly identifying and preserving, environmentally significant areas or sites. Section 64-3, Applicability of Chapter: The terms and provisions of this Chapter shall apply to real property as follows: (a) All vacant and undeveloped property. (b) All property to be redeveloped. (c) All property where there is to be any addition or alteration. (d) All public or private rights -of -way. (e) The street yard areas of all properties developed with single-family and two-family dwellings and the yard areas of all other developed property.. (f) All property within a designated environmental preser- vation district. Section 64-4. Environmental Preservation Review Board: (a) There is hereby established a Board, to be known as the Environmental, Preservation. Review Board of the City of Miami,; Florida. The Board shall consist of five (5) members, to be appointed in the following manner: (1) One (1) member shall bea registered landscape. architect appointed by the City Commission from a list prepared by the Florida Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects. (2) One (1) member shall be a nurseryman appointed by the City Commission from a list prepared by the Dade County Chapter, Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. (3) One (1) member shall be a registered architect appointed by the City Commission from a last prepared by the South Florida Chapter, American Institute of Architects, (5) (6) One (1) tneMber shall be a tneMbet 'cif ah ehVitohtehta l otganigatioh stied, aaj biit not lihited to, the triViroti= Mental Quality Act ion doftit ittee of the dreatet �iiath i Chamber of COtrittierde, the beautification council of South Dade, triefids of the Barth, the 8ietra Club, Survive, and Tropical Audubon Society; members shall be appointed by the City C'omMitsion from lists prepared , by, but hot l th ited to, the above eminent Toned organizations.. One (1) member shall : be a ).ay c it i2'en who is interested in environmental preservation. The member shall be. appointed by the city commission from lists prepared by neighborhood organizations. Two alternate members shall. be appointed and shall. be available at the request of the chairman to serve on the Board in the absence of a regular member. An alternate member shall have full rights of partici- pation and voting when serving on the Board. RESPONSIBILITIES: The Environmental Preservation RevieW Board with the assistance of the Administrative Assistant shallbe. responsible for maintaining a record of unique 'environ- mentally significant lands or sites within the City of Miami. The Board shall, serve. as the quasi-judicial instrument for granting or denying certificates of approval for tree removal and development activitywithin those areas identified and established as Environmental Preservation Districts under the terms and provisions of this Chapter. (c) Members of the Board shallbe appointed for a two-year term. All members shall serve without compensation. The Board shall select from its members a chairman to serve for a one-year term. (d) All decisions to approve an application or to reverse a decision of the Administrative Assistant require the affirmative vote of four members. Four members shall constitute a quorum. (e) The Board shall meet at least once per month with all meetings open to the public'. The members of the Board shall adopt rules and procedures guiding the conduct of the meetings and attendance policies. Processing and recording of all forms, applications, and .minutes shall be the responsibility of the Building Department. (g) Members and alternate members of the Environmental Preservation Review Board may be removed for cause by a vote of not less than three members of the 'city commission. Causefor removal may include excessive absences, (f) Section 64-5iSTRA' tVE.ASSISTANT ..UT) :THE .EtsiVi OMME T' A , PIRESEWATIOf .RtviEii BOARD (a) The Director of the Building Depart lent shall appoint a MeMber of the Build ihq DepartMent to settle as a i Adminis= trative assistant to the Environmental RreserVatioh ReVieW Board. (b) The a ointee shall be experienced and knowledgeable in p res ect to treed and landscape materials, landscape design, site planning and land tise control regulations. (c) DUTIES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: (1) Serve as secretary to the Board. The appointee Shall . attend all, meetings of the Board and maintain a record of the proceedings of the Board showing its action on each application. :The appointee Shall schedule and provide notification of Environ- mental Preservation Review Board meetings to applicants and other department and agency represent- atives. (2) Shall be responsible forgranting or denying applications for treeremoval permits in all areas of the. City with the exception of designated Environmental Preservation Districts. Upon receipt of a proper application the Administrative Assistant shall reviewsuch application, which may include a field check of the site and referral of the application to other departments or agencies as necessary to determine any adverse effect upon the general public welfare. The Administrative Assistant may refer any application to the Environmental Preservation Review Board if in his opinion the application is of such nature to require special consideration by the Board. (3) Maintain and up -date an official map delineating Environmental Preservation Districts and a photo- graphic documentation of all officially designated sites. (4) Work with other City Departments and community environmental groups as required to provide a continuing effort to protect and preserve the natural environment through public education and encouraging sound environmental policies. (5) The Administrative Assistant shall ensure that notice of the application for a tree removal permit is mailed to adjacent property owners. (6) Prepare summary reports of all decisions on tree, removalpermit applications. The report shall briefly summarize the conditions and criteria for tree . removal and the decision of the Administrative Assistant, Sedtioh 64-6: Et1Vilkt3 EifiAtijAES.ER'tlA'f,t.Ok..D, 5T.Ri.CPS.: (a) Certain geographidal areas or sites tnaY be designated as Environmental Preservation bistridts by adtion of the City Commission redoghiting the heed for presery ation and protection of such areas bedause of their education, edohotflid, environmental or edologidal importance to the welfare of the general piublid and the City of Miami. EnVirohmenta1 Preservation Districts ate intended to provide for preservation and protection of trees and other = significant environmental features and to encourage design and development activity which is sensitive to the natural landscape character of the site,. Sites with significant trees and landscape materials may be selected as Environmental Preservation Districts because they provide important environmental functions for the welfare of the community which include the following: Stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion and excessive run-off; giving shade and cooling the land; providing protection from forceful winds; using their 'leaf surfaces to dilute gaseous pollutants and trap and filter out ash, dust and pollen in the air; absorbing a high percentage of carbon dioxide and returning oxygen to the air; alleviating noise pollution; increasing the value of property and adding to the natural scenic beauty of the. City of Miami. All regulations and review procedures provided ;for Environmental Preservation Districts are intended to protect the significant environmental features against needless destruction and to present guidelines which willlead to the continuance and enhancement of those features, while at the same time recognizing individual rights to develop property which is not prejudicial to the public interest. (b) The following natural or man-made environmental features may be designated as Environmental Preservation Districts when one or more such features are located in a geographical area or lot. (1) Clusters of trees with extensive tree canopy, natural hammock areas and mangrove areas. Land areas which include one or more clusters of trees which will total 10,000 square feet of tree canopy may be designated Environmental Preservation, Districts. Smaller areas or lots may alsobe designated as Environmental Preservation Districts if the site contains at least one "specimen tree," which is defined as a tree having substantial educational, economic and aesthetic value because of its size, type, age, outstanding characteristics or other professional criteria set forth by the State of Florida Division of Forestry. (2) Exposed geological formations such as natural rock outcroppings, caves, sink -holes, and significant natural topography of the Coastal Atlantic Ridge., (c) (3) Scenic transportation corridors. Those t ond:•tay areas Which have a unique thndsdape charadter extensive tree canopy; and are of substantial environmental importance to the residents of iYti_arii as Well as to visitors. Dimensions and e::tent of, scenic transportation corridors shall be determined for each specifid area so designated based Upon an analysis of the corridor by qualified professional staff of the appropriate city depart= merits. The boundaries of the scenic transportation corridors may be determined by the folloWing: a) the extent of roadway right-of-way area; b) all established yard areas fronting on the transportation corridor; c) significant natural features such as trees, geological features which are not within the right-of-way or street yard area, but are of value as a part .of ..the scene . d) principal natural landscape or man-made elements which form the visual boundary or enclosing space, ofthecorridor; ).areas from which there is a unique scenic view or vista of historical or significant structures or of water bodies such as the Miami River or Biscayne Bay; f) unique botanical features such as rare, exotic and valuable trees or plant life or examples of excellent landscape design. PROCEDURE FOR DESIGNATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS: (1) Areas or sites to be considered as Environmental Preservation Districts may be recommended to the Planning Advisory Board by private individuals and organizations, all city departments, the Environ- mental Preservation Review Board and the City Commission. (2) All areas to be considered must be evaluated, by the Planning Advisory Board, with the appropriate recommendations conveyed to the City Commission. (3) Notice to Property. Owners. A letter or invitation shall be delivered to the owners of all property within the boundaries of the proposed Environmental Preservation District, with a full explanation of the reasons for the environmental significance of the property, the effect of the proposed classifi- cation and the process by which Environmental Preservation Districts are officially designated, The oWner (s) Will be invited to appear at a public hearing before the Planning Advisory Board to dig— cuss the Platter. The property may then .be rector -. mended by the Planning Advisory Board to the City Commission for inclusion in an Environmental Preservation District, (4) The areas recommended by the Ptanning Advisory Board and approved by the City Commission are established, as EtiVirontnenta1 Preservation Districts, These sites or areas are then added to the official map delineating Environmental Preservation Districts on file Within the Building Department, (d) EF~FECT OF ENVIRONM.ENTAL ,PRESERVATION DISTRICT ...DESIGNATION: (1) Certificate of Approval Required. Once an area or site is officially designated as an Environmental Preservation District, all development activity of removal of trees within that area must be reviewed by the Environmental Preservation Board of Review and a Certificate of Approval must be granted before a tree removal permit or a building permit will be issued by. the Building Department. (2) Relationship to Zoning. When the City Commission approves the designaticn of an area or siteas an Environmental Preservation District, the regulations and review requirements for both the existing zoning district and the Preservation District shall apply. When the zoning regulations applying to a parcel designated as an Environmental Preservation District require review by the Urban Development Review Board, that body shall be responsible for reviewing applications for tree removal or development activity on that parcel in lieu of the Environmental Preserv- ation Review Board. All actions by the Urban Develop- ment Review Board on these applications shall be consistent with the intent of this Chapter. Section 64-7. PERMITTING PROCEDURES: (a) Removal of trees not located in an Environmental Preservation District. (1) REQUIRED: No person, organization, society, associ- ation or corporation or any agent or representative` thereof, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, move or effectively destroy through damaging, any tree situated on any real property as described above in Section 64-3, without first obtaining approval and a tree removal permit as hereinafter provided, (2) REVIEW: All applicants for a tree removal permit must submit acceptable applications as described in (b) (3) 8ectiih 64=$ of this Chapters The Administtative Assistant to the Envi ohtentad. PreservationReiiiew $oard as an official of Building bepartffient shall be responsible for the reVieew of Stich applications and the granting of permits. The administrative asS''istant shall render a deciisioh Within fifteen days (15) after reeeiVing an acceptable application. APPEALS: Any ' citizen may appeal any decision of the Building: Department in enforcement of any term or provisions of this Chapter to the Environmental. Preservation Review Board, by filing, within fifteen (15) days after the date of the initial' decision, a written notice of appeal with the City Manager, with .a copy to the City Clerk which shall set forth precisely the decision appealed from and the reasons or grounds for the appeal. Each appeal. shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars to cover costs of publishing and mailing The Environmental Preservation Review Board shall hear at a public hearing all facts material to the appeal and render a decision promptly. The Environmental Preservation Review Board may affirm, modify or reverse the decision appealed from, provided that the Board shall not take any action which conflicts with or nullifies any of the provisions of this ordinance. (4) Any member of the Environmental Preservation Review Board may: (a) (b) require any application for a tree removal permit to be reviewed by the entire Environ- mental Preservation Review Board or within ten days after the granting of preliminary approval by the Administrative Assistant, require any such application to be reviewed by the entire Environmental Preservation Review Board. In the case of such a review, the decision of the Environ- mental Preservation Review Board shall super- sede any action of the Administrative Assistant and constitute a final decision subject to a subsequent appeal to the City Commission. (5) All permits for removal of trees not located in an Environmental Preservation District, which are granted by the Administrative Assistant, shall not become effective until at least ten (10) days after the date of preliminary approval. REMOVAL OF. TREES AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY OCCURRING IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT: (1) REQUIRED; No person, organization, society, association or corporation, or any agent or representative thereof, 10 d ire by or ihd itedtiyr shalt eut dawn) destroy, Move or effeottve1y destroy through dattiac ihq, a ttee situated oh any real property or other sighif .daht ehVir hthehtat features Within an EhVirohthehtal PtesetVatioh bistridt Or shall_ reoeiVe a building permit for cohstrUdtioh activity or site improvements within ah EhVirotitnehtal. Preservatioh bistrict without first obtaining a Certificate of Approval_ from the Environmental preservation Review Board as heteihafter provided► (2) REVIEW: Allapplicants for a Certificate of Approval_ to remove a tree, or for developtttent within an Environmental P eserVatioh District, trust sUbniit acceptable applications as described ih Section 64-8 of this Chapter. The Environmental Preservation Review Board shall review all applications for tree removal or development activity within an Environ- mental Preservation District, hold a public hearing,. and render a decision on the matter within thirty (30) days after receiving an acceptable application. APPEALS: Any citizen may appealany decision of the Environmental Preservation Review Board or of the Urban Development Review Board as it relates to this Chapter to the City Commission by filing within fifteen (15) days after the date of the decision, a written notice of appeal with the City Manager, with a copy to the City Clerk, which shall set forth concisely the decision appealed from and the reasons or grounds for the appeal. Each appeal shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars to cover cost of publishing and mailing notices of hearing. The City Commission shall hear and consider all facts material to the appeal and render a decision promptly. The City Commission may affirm, modify, or reverse the board's decision. The decision of the City Commission shall constitute final administrative review, and no petition for rehearing or reconsideration shall be considered. Section 64-8. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (a) All applications for a tree removal permit for all areas of the City and for a Certificate of Approval by the., Environmental Preservation Review Board shall be initially. made to the Administrative Assistant to the Environmental Preservation Review Board and administered by the Building Department. The application must specify the name, address and telephone number of the person seeking the application, as well as that of the property owners, ifdifferent from the applicant, and the street address and the legal description of thesubject property. The application' shall be submitted in two stages, as hereinafter described. - 11 =- (b) PPELiMtMA Y ,APPbtGATION, Ap.pbICANTS...S AtII._StibRIr .wTtit (1). A written statement indicating the reason far the removal of any trees On the site, and a site plan drawn to scale, .showing the General iodation of trees, and significant environmental features as with regard .to yard areas, structures, utilities, or streets. A minimum of two photographs adequately Showing the trees and landscape character of the site shall be submitted with the preliminary application, (2) A tree survey prepared by a registered land surveyor. Said Survey shall show the location of all e5tisting trees upon the buildable area and the yard area of the entire site. Tree information shall be summarized in legend form and shall contain the name, size and location of all trees and landscape features on the site. Groups of trees less than three (3) feet apart may be designated: as clumps, with the exception that any tree with a trunk diameter six inches or more must be specifically designated. For large site areas on which development activity or tree removal is to occur en only a small portion of the site, the Administrative Assistant or the Environ- mental Preservation Review. Board: may determine that the tree survey may exclude those portions of the site which will not be affected by the: development or tree removal activity. (3) Two (2) copies of a legible preliminary site plan design, indicating the following information for the entire site. (a) (b) Location, shape and spatial arrangement of all buildings, walls,' structures and significant natural features. Genera]: location and description of surrounding buildings and adjacent land areas. (c) Location, shape and spatial arrangement of all parking areas and access roads. (d). Existing trees to be removed. (e) Existing and proposed grading. (f) Proposed utility services. (g) Setback and yard requirements. (h) Existing trees remaining in position. (i) Existing trees to be relocated, summarizi-ng in legend form position before and after relocation. (j) Location of any new trees used as replacements, (4) P.RELIMf Ak APJ iOYAL: Upon approval of the pteiim= inary applidation, root ptuning of trees designated to be removed or relodated may be dommenced. HoweVet, ho removal of a tree or developineiit actiVity shall dommende oh thesite until the final:applidatibn has been approved and all permits"have been obtained. (c) FINAL .APPLICATION: (1) REQUIREb: The final application shall include all doduthents and information submitted for the prelim- inary application as set forth in 5ection G4=8(b) and any subsequent redesign. In addition, the final application shall include a final site plan and the completed construction documents. Any deviation from the preliminary design as it affects trees or other. significant environmental features will be subject to review according to the same criteria as the orig- inal preliminary application. (2) APPROVAL: No approval shall be given until the Ad-- ministrative Assistant determines that:, (a) The application is in accordance with terms of this : Chapter; '(b) There will be compliance. with the regulations, as outlined in Sections 64-9.through 12 of this Chapter. (3) Any change from the final site plan'as submitted and approved for tree removal by either the Building Department or Environmental. Preservation Review Board shall:require new application.and re-evaluation if trees or other environmentally significant features are to be affected by the new plan. Section 64-9. CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS FOR TREE REMOVAL: (a) CRITERIA FOR REMOVAL: No permit shall be issued for tree removal from the site unless one of the following conditions exists:. (1) The tree is located in the buildable area or yard area where a structure or improvement may be placed and unreasonably restricts the permitted use of the property. (2) The tree is diseased, injured, or in danger of falling, interferes with utility service, creates unsafe vision clearance, or conflicts with other ordinances or reg- ulations, (3) It is in the general welfare of the public that the tree be removed for a reason other than set forth above, Section 64-10. (b) , do tiiTloNS..:oP .12EI,oCAttoN AN_.AEP dtMENt: As a cottd itioh to the grahtihc of a tree tethova1 petMit, the applieant' wii1. be requited where 'ptadtioal tci tei.oCate, tefioVe ol` tepl.ade the trees oh the 'site as ,follows: (1) A11 . tteet Oh the site which are 'to be' tetoiied, May be te1ooated oh, the site Within the building atea or the ya td -area (2) If it it imptaot ioa 1_.;, tcb relocate those, trees wh ich are to be moved. on the site, such trees Ma � .. � be re- located.and replanted'off the bite 'but within the City limits of the City of Miami, (3) If,t-is impractical to relocate d replant the aforementioned trees to be removed either on the site or off:the site,',because of age, type, size,' then the tree may be'destroyed, or the applicant tray be:required to redesign the project to preserve the tree. (4) In'the event that a tree is. permitted to be destroyed,' an applicant. may be.required to'replace the tree with new trees. of comparable size,'nature, and beauty, as determined by the' IIoard. In no instance, however, shall the replacement tree be - less than fifteen (15).-feet'in height and three (3)_ inches in diameter.. -TREE PROTECTION: (a) During construction protective barriers shall be placed around the trunks of all trees to be retained on the site to prevent, the destruction or damaging of the trees. (b) If at all practical, underground utility lines, curbs and other above grade structures should be routed around existing trees to the outside of the dripline of the tree. In the event that this is not feasible, a tunnel made by a power -driven soil auger may be placed under the true. for installation of utility lines, or a trench passing by the side of the tree maybe used for construction of curbing or to accommodate the installation of utility.. lines. If a trench is used, care should be taken that as few roots as possible be cut, that the cuts be made cleanly and that the root ends are painted with a wound dressing of asphalt base paint and immediately covered with soil. (c) No wires or utility service attachments other than those of a protective nature shall be attached to any tree. (d) Subsequent to construction or the satisfactory stabilizing of a tree, all protective devices shall be removed. The owner of the,, project on which the tree is located, the applicant for a tree permit or the individual performing physical moving of a tree, are fully liable and responsible for removal of the devices, (e) All trees transplanted pursuant to this Chapter shall be maintained alive and healthy in the site of transplantal 14 for. a period of si3� tionths; ' any rif the afofeMehtiofed -trees Which die within said sib months shall be replaced by the applicaht.' The i3Ui)dih bepartmeht shall retain jurisdiction to ihsure c oiiipllande With this. gectioh: Eect ion 6h=1 ENv1RONMENTAL . P tESERVA I`.ION ,11EVitW . STAt DARb5 The following standards shall be used by the Environs mental ireserVation RevieW Board ih reVieWinq all site plans building plans and applications for tree remoVal within those areas, designated as Environmental Preserv- ation Districts. These standards are intended to provide a frame of reference for the applicant as well as to provide a basis for reviewingplans and proposals. These standards are notto be regarded as inflexible and are not intended to discourage innovation or creativity.' DEVELOPMENT SHOULD: (a) Preserve natural environmental character of all sites insofar as practical by minimizing removal of trees or other significant environmental features. (b) Preserve or enhance existing topography and natural. land form features wherever possible. (c) Use only those signs for identification of principal use. Signs should be of a size, shape, and color which is compatible with the surrounding environment. The size of the signs should bear a direct relation- ship to rate of speed of passers-by not exceeding a maximum size necessary for recognition. (d) Provide visual screening of all parking areas, service areas or storage areas by using landscaping and building materialswhich are compatible with the surrounding landscape character. (e) Maintain the continuity of landscape material -and spacing characteristic of the surrounding area or scenic corridor. If the development occurs along a designated scenic corridor, the principal natural. landscape orman-made elements which form the visual boundaries or enclosing space of the corridor shall be preserved insofar as possible. (f) Consider the impact of public and private improve- ments upon the ecological needs of the area. Road- way improvements within scenic corridors and other unique areas should not disrupt or distract from the existing natural environment. Section 64-12. EXCEPTIONS: (a) During the period of an emergency, such as hurricane, tropical storm, flood or other act of God, or in the event that any. tree . shall .be deterMihed to be ih a hazardous or dahierous eofidition so as to eiidahger the public health`) Welfare or safety, and requires it thediate removaLthe requirements of this Chapter may be waived by the City Manager. A11 ticensed plant or tree nurseries shall be e'tetnpt from the terms and provisions of this Chapter in relation to those trees planted and growing oh the premises of such licensee which are so planted and growing for the sale to the generalpublic: in the ordinary course of such licensee's business. (c) A11 applications for tree removal which do not involve any new construction on the subject site shall be exempt from the terms and provisions of Section 64-8 (b) , (2) (3) , , (c) Section 64-13. REMOVAL OF TREES FROM PUBLIC LANDS: No tree shall be removed from any public land, public parkor public right-of-way, except in accordance with Chapter 59 of this Code. Section 64-14. PUBLIC NOTICE: Public notice is required for all applications for a Certificate of Approval in Environmental Preservation Districts. The type and manner of notice will be as follows (a), . POSTED NOTICE: Property being considered for permit under this Chapter shall be posted with a sign at least ten (10) days in advance of the public hearing. The sign shall measure at least three (3) square feet in area; shall be of a color and shape distinguishable from the surrounding landscape and shall contain substantially the following language: A PUBLIC HEARING INVOLVING APPROVAL OF A PERMIT FOR TREE REMOVAL OR DEVELOPMENT ON THIS PROPERTY WILL BE HELD BY THE ENVIRON MENTAL PRESERVATION REVIEW:BOARD OF THE CITY OF MIAMI.' DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY: PLACE OF HEARING: TIME: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL 445-4711 !'he' sigh shall be orected iri. fh11 View of the 'pubtid . oh`eadh street side or side'hearest a street of the property being, considered for periitx (b) MAILED Notice of the timeand place of the public hearing by the Environmental Preservation ReView Boardshall, be sent at least ten (10) days in advance of the hearing by mail to the owner of: the subject property and the owners of the adjacent property, and other Departments or Agencies deemed appropriate by the Board, (c) Pt 3LI SHE1. NOTICE: The published notice shall contain a description of the activity, time, and place of the hearing. Publication shall be made in the following,: 1. A daily newspaper of the largest general circulation inthe city, and 2. A daily newspaper of general circulation in the City devoted primarily to reporting of financial, business, industrial, and legal information, and A newspaper devoted primarily to 'reporting information of interest in an, area or locality of the City. Such publications shall be made not less than ten (10) days in advance of the public hearing and shall be prepared and paid 'for by the ' City. Section 64-15. PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF CHAPTER: Any person, organization, society, association, or corporationor agent thereof, violating the provisions of any. Section of this Chapter, shall upon conviction,' be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or be imprisoned not more than sixty (60) days, or shall be both fined and imprisoned on the discretion of the County Judge. The removal, relocation, or destruction of each tree for which a tree removal permit is required, without proper permit on the job site, shall constitute a separate offense under this Chapter. Section 64-16. FEES: All applications for permits for the removal of trees shall be accompanied by 'a fee in the amount of $2.00 per tree, sought to,be'removed or relocated, There. shall be a. minimum fee of $6,00. ].7 • §edtion 64= * attftiStiCtioNt The BUildinc DepartMent and the Poiide Departiment shad have equal and oondirrent jurisdiotibh for the proper and effedtife "enforcement, of this Chapter. Section 2. All ordinances, code sedtions, or parts thereof in cbnflidt herewith) insofaras they are in donflict,.. are hereby repealed. Section 3. If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or Word of this Ordinance is for any reason' held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative, or void, such holding or in- validity shall riot affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance; and it shall be construed to have been the intent of the Commission of the City of Miami to pass this Ordinance without such un- constitutional, invalid, or inoperative part therein and the remainder of this Ordinance, after the exclusion of such part or parts shall be deemed and held to be valid as if such parts had not been included therein. PASSED ON FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY this day of 'ir,.q 1974. PASSED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY this /?- day of jgwro -vd E 1974. ATTES' ,f, CITY CLERK PREPARED BY: MIOIIEL E. ANDERS9N Assistant city. Attorney APF ROVED A$ TO EDm i OM S.'4A ity Attorney it t JAW; f'_tfi•` 't t•t.tlflitiA : MOM; _ .UJt)It'fi 1rrterb4ted irFlt'tnttelitrrtirc that e.n 1Itt OM •tii Sep-, tentbcr..1074. ,tre,.Cttuutilssinn:et tlir' t'it} of ''.tlrirnt, t iarlda atiaptt•P oil orditibnre rntiffr$ •A\','.. Of.t)TNANt1 t EPF AL. INt: (111APTER , 61, ENTIY'LRt) "i"ItOTEC'T'ION • A N 14 ' RE tot -AL OF Ttt1-:f:S'..OP''jr1IE •C.00E, OF 'flit CI'r'i'' 1AMMIt F'LOIIIt:A' AND E:N- AC°rtNC) A - NEW CI /03'1' n G4 ENTITL1 t) . "}NVtTtON= \tEx1Ai.' 1'11F SER1'ATtON of 'AREAS 11'11I1 EX -TEN TrU I t!A at'S. ��•!•Ntc' ROtrt'F:s, t'Ntt�t'F. r:'•:t')l.O(11CAf, Foit1IA1'IONs AND OTHER SiI:NI•FICA-C 1' , . t•.:NVtttONAt1;NTAL F } A- TtittES: t'RO41rn 4G I.Ort St'ECtAt. ItF:VIEti' PROCI:= i)IFitES ANb Oti'14.t\IN(i A I'RO.'i:SS' FOR rtttlr.ICIN EI)F:NTIFY X(t Ain. I'RE- =1:1tV1Nf I: VIRONNII!:N'rAL t.v strNfl•-ttANT SITES OR 'AREAS: 4'ROi'fi)t`C TttAT: IF ANY SECTION. CLAUSE On St'I3-SF.C'I1ON SftAt.t, t:F: bi:cT.AR1.I) UNCONSTITU- TION.1t., I1' St1 AL.t. NOT AF FEC.'T TIIF REMMA!'tN(l RO. Vii&tONS: itt•)PEALIN( ALL OItt)INANCEs Ott PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT 1IEftE V1T11. whi,•h is designated Ordinance iI. I).' .SOUV1I ERN cr r1' rLERt. cr ry OF • J11 hit I. FLORIDA, •PuUttaation nt this notice un the• 1EthArty of September, 1974. :VC) At POr21 MIAMI REVIEW • ANb BALLY §Edbflb Pablisttdrd befit tteapi tditftilayi §tailitay to dl,»o1!dd'3E - iidiPii; brae totthiy, nofiHMM, §f ME of ft:6416A t oUNti# of bAb beto►e the UitBeF§igii�i) Yitithority bn►§bii8flji tipp"'� beefedRuth'Glitter .who 0i oath says that Srhb 13 Asttfatant to, the PubllShei!, of the. Miami _Rovlew and Daily Renard, a daily..(eiteept.. Saturday, _,Su}1day sand Dade CountyyFlorld>S thatethepat ached copyMMof adver tisement, being a Legal Advertisement or Notice In .the :natter of .City t sibni,,1 i~iodid stet .01-10,1.N c4 NQr 8301 in the paCourt. was published In sold newspaper In the Issues of Milani further says that the said Miami Review end Daily Record Is a newspaper published at Miami, in said Dade County, Florida, and that the said news• paer has heretofore been continuously published In said Dade County Florida, each day (except Saturday, Sunday and Legal Holidays) and has been entered as second class mail matter at the post office In Miami, In said Dade County, Florida for a period of one year next preceding the first publication of the attached copy of advertisement: and affiant further Says that she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or corporation any discount, rebate, commission or refund for the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper. t:. - - ,• ,,`. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th /ay of September , AO, 19 74 / , Janet Leo. % 1f, Notary Public,,State of Florida at Large. , (SFAll1 / .. My ComHilssion expires April't5,'t977. • t : - i;rf Sworn to and subscribed before me this , 19th idly of Se//ptember yAo. I9.:,7.4.. ; ...t ::c.t:s. � .-.' »:;:.4.'.:...,.... rs,. Janet Leo, , Notary Public, State of Florida at Large. (SE / My Commission expires Apirit 15,11977:` MIAMI REVIEW ANtb BAILi Piteaft8 PuWiihei bails a iii Nita" , §ittadi Lodi tlotieid l�lici3til bade Cditnft, Hata,. , ftAt€ 8P ft:MOM eOti f, i P betote . the u'ndereignod iuthbrity parssonattY Paired Ruth Otatter w e oft With . says that tthti iS . . ASsfstant_to, the Publisher of the Miami Review afld Daily Record, a daily y(except, Saturday, - Sunday, and Legal..HotidayS) heWSpaper, Published „et Mierrii In Dada County, _Florida• that the. dttached copy of Sdver• the :tenMattafbeing a Legal Advertiserhent or NVotice In Mi t►U.j 'lot±i.....,..... Re NQ. 8801 in the ..X}G Court. Was published in Said newspaper in the Issues of .8.aptelane.....t9.,.. 15.7 4 Atfiant further says 'that the said Miami Review - and Daily Record is a_ newspaper'published at Miami, in said Dade County, Florida, and that the said news. paper has heretofore been continuously published In Sunda Dade Legal Florida, lidays) each day been entered es In said class County a Florida the post office y al next preceding the first publication of the attached copy of advertisemenh and affiant further says that she has neither paid nor promised any person, firm or Corporation- any discount. rebate, commission 'or refund for the purpose of securing this advertisement for publication in the said newspaper. •G r- r, bAht: vtit.? tt it•t:tfit1h. t.thA t. -i dt'f ti: ..,t$ intereotetl•ertlf!tizite fidittte hint nn ttifi t2th .da< (tt• Sep= tentber, 1311.:thr:.,C •rmnifssibt►'tif the City trf ).ttnrni. Florida { t 110111 d eh .rirdlnance eritttled Ati nT r'EAM., • 1st; otiAl'Tt:lt 64.ENTITLEI) "rttOTECtiotc N • T14: RED ' `.i t)1"AL OF TR1 l:3' , or ('OtIt OF. tunC1TY' ()F" .NItAMI. FLORIDA ANO AcT1Nd A. 1KEtt`. CItAPf I ll rt t;�I'tTL>rt7 . ":ENt'IFtoN- \'EN T Ai. I'R FSA1Slt 1'ATIOr hF AR F AS W1111 MVP, CANOP St t,NtC ROUTES, t'Nti,t'l: r:tO.C)1.01'llt`.AI, FoRAtATIUN' ANI) 'OTHER SKIM-Fit:AN I' I•: NVVIFtONMMENTAL F` A= TL'ttES: rfovint fd Folt 5PECLAL ItE-lt:NrPi;OCI UURES AN113 OUTLINING A I'I,OL ESS FOR I'U1.1LiCLS- IDENTIFYING A"t) PttI - SI:HYING EN\rtl?ONMENTAL-; LS- SIGNIFICANTSITES OR: -AREAS:' 'i'ROV1lM d. - THAT - IF ANY, SECTiON, CLAUSE" O 1 St'&SF TtON ,SttALL DE: t)h('LAREI) UNCONST1TU- T1ON.1L._ IT SHALL NOT AF- FE('T TRF: REMAINING PRO. VI51ONSt REVEALING -ALL ORDINANCES oil PARTS, OF ORDiNANCES ,IN CONFLICT IEEEtf' W1TIl. whiell is designated Ortiinanee +301. Ii. I). SO1;T1tERN CITY, CLERK CITY" OF \1IAMt. FLORIDA Puhlic.ition of this notice on the 1f11t liar)• of September. 19774, :Oa Al 9OC,2I.1 FflO%is Ci? Cl 1;4(Ai t, i't edit, - iN'Ff MitMeititAM3UM The ttonoLabie McMbers Of The City Commission dohtt $ . t,loyci; lt�'tt rn ) %I / j_ 5U».iEcf: sepembef. 9 1914 'rfl.r : A=144 EnvirOnMehtal PteserVation Ordinance ntrttiEHGEJ: gNCLo URES:' In reViewing the proposed Etikrironmental PreserVa~ion. Ordinance, a tnernberof my staff arid nr,self have rnet and cons= lied With petsons concerned with the drafting and passage of the ordinance. r`ollowing our meeting, the ordinance, twas redrafted and I notice several distinct improvements in many portions of the ordinance. I have, however, approved the ordinance only as to form. I cannot make any further appro3al for the following reasons: (1Yr bue to the extremely broad control which the' orinance pro`. .ides, with respect to the preservation end re- plantir_g of trees,: developers and -builders will probably find it difficult aria e:cpensive to comply 'with the'. ordinance. 'nis could result' in an attack` upon the validity' of the. "Crainarlce (2) The ordinance presents a recta concept and thus i • know of. no prototype which has withstood an attack on itS t>alidity. In this connection, I note that 'in California a n'.nther ,,f City Attorneys were polled concerning 'their opinions:es .to the validity of an. ordinance' which would control the destruction of trees -on private proverty." The majority of those' who ccm ented expressed doubt as " to the validity of such an ordinance. ..Regarding -.the :°alidditof the .or,,tlinance, I re::cr . p a. ticularl7. to Suction64-`J by Virtue of whit:: »ti t of r i:c :'Cif:a1 Pre3er:ation Pe:'ie:•J ioard ,.cam:_"" require <ii' :.'opli.can� r7 ^:rr— t e:,: igh- Z pror ec t to . pr eserV:? a Crean I:: ci.j,:io doted cr. c trc po-r::t.'�t =?^..4;_.:.L3 io% .:�°✓t�t.` .�'? +':ii�t:2Ca t:o b. CLiMbersoMe. The tionotabie Membets of, The City Coinatiiss ibh 5+,0ttiiii ief 91. 1214 EnVifonMehtal Pfese2Vation Ordihante (1) The otdinance, by vitrue of its natute and by 't'itEtie of it many tequitements,till be difficult arid empensive. to eafotee. J5L/tt Ordinance Attached ORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE REPEALING CHAPTER 640 ENTITLED "PROTECTION AND REMOVAL OF TREES" of THE CODE OF THE CITY OP MIAMI, FLORID, AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 64 ENTITLEb"ENVIRON- MENTAL PRESERVATION"TO PROVIDE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION OF AREAS WITH EXTENSIVE TREE CANOPY, SCENIC ROUTES, .UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES; PROVIDING F'OR SPECIAL REVIEia PROCEDURES AND OUTLiNING A PROCESS FOR PUELICLY IDENTIFYING AND PRESERVING ENVIRON- MENTALLY SIGNIFICANT SITES OR AREAS; PROVIDING THAT IF ANY SECTION, CLAUSE OR s E-SECTION SHALL EE DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL, IT SHALL NOT AFFECT THE REMAINING PROVISIONS; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS or ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH. WHEREAS, this ordinance was proposed by the Planning Advisory Board of the City of Miami,Florida to update Chapter 64. of the City Code, entitled "PROTECTION AND REMOVAL OF TREES and WHEREAS, this ordinance will provide for the preservation of areas with extensive tree canopy, scenic routes, unique geological formations and other significant environmental features; and WHEREAS, this ordinance will provide . for special review. procedures and outline a process for publicly identifying and preserving environmentally significant sites or areas; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA Section 1, An ordinance entitled "ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION O' TREES," is hereby .enacted to read as,fo11ows; Tree Removal tisNtfteNVIERtAt, 1?fttgEtWA'rtOIt 64-1. Definitions § 64-2. Intent § 64-3. Applicability of Chapter § 64-4. Environmental Preservation Review board § 64-5. Administrative Assistant to the Environmental Preser- vation Review Board § 64-6. Environmental Preservation Districts § 64-7. Permitting Procedures § 64-8. Application Requirements. § 64-9. Criteria and Conditions for § 64-10. Tree Protection § 64-11. Environmental Preservation Review Standards, § 64-12. Exceptions § 64-13. Removal of Trees from Public Lands § 64-14. Public Notice § 64-15. Penalty for Violation of Chapter § 64-16. Fees § 64-17. Jurisdiction tWnONIAttsttAL nitStWATJeg SeOtioh 64=1* befihitiohs* 'or t'he purposes of this Chapter the fol,lov3ing Words and phrases shall hate the meahings respectively ascribed to theM by this Section: (a), $uildabie Area: The portion of a site Within the required yard areas oh Wh .ch a. structure or 'improvements may' be erected. (b) Development Activity: The carrying out of any building operation, or making any material. change in,the use or appearanceof any structure or land use character.. Environmental Preservation Districts Geographical areas, parcels or corridors, .which may be identified in t'he future, established' by the City Commission as significant' 'natural or man-made attributes in_need,of preservation - and control because of their educational,. economic, ecological and environmental importance to:the, welfare of the, general public and the City as a whole. (d) :Environmentally significant features: Natural or man- made artifacts, sites or features which possess attributes in need'of preservation and control because of their -economic, educational 'or environmental importance to the welfare of the general public and the.City as a whole. Environmentally significant'features include all'trees within the City and specifically designated natural, • topographical'or geological formations -,..mangrove areas, natural hammocks, unique scenic vistas or transportation - corridors and rare and valuable plant' material. Tree: Any self-supporting perennial plant which has a trunk diameter of three inches measured three, feet above grade or'normally grows to an overall height of'fifteen feet. (c) (e) (f) Tree Removal Act of cutting down, destroying, moving or effectively destroying through, damaging a tree situated on any real property within the City of Miami.. (g) Yard Area The front, side and rear yard areas as established and required by the ComprehensiveZoning Ordinance of Miami, Florida. (h) Tree Canopy; The two dimensional surface area of a tree as viewed from above. Section 64-2, Intent; (a) To preserve end protect trees and other significant environmental features within the City of Miami. (b) ,. to reiluire the t e6igh and dohstfudtioi of all. deveiapnett activity_ be eMeduted .h ffiantier doiisisteht With the preservation of trees and othet signifieant enttiron� ftehtal feattireg to the Greatest ectent possible. (e) TO provide gttidelihet and review prodedures for dontrolling deNelopittent setivity which may alter, destroy, or be detri� fiehtal to edlsting trees,. significant environmental features and sdenio areas. (d) To proVide the framework and legal .tneohaniSt for publicly identifying and preserving environmentally significant areas or sites. Section 64-3. Applicability of Chapter: The terms and provisions of this Chapter shall apply to real property as follows: (a) All vacant andundeveloped property. (b) All property to be redeveloped. (c) All property where there: is to be any addition or alteration. (d) All public or private rights -of -way. (e) (f) The. street yard areas of all properties developed with single-family and'.two-family dwellings'and the yard areas of all, other developed property. All property within.a designated environmental preser- vat ion district. Section 64-4. Environmental Preservation Review Board: (a). There is hereby established. a Board, to be known as the Environmental` Preservation Review Board of the City of Miami, . Florida. The Board shall consist of five (5) members, to be appointed in the following manner: (1) One (1) member shall be a registered landscape architect appointed by the City Commission from a list prepared by the Florida Chapter, American Society of Landscape Architects., (2) One (1) member shall be a nurseryman appointed by the City Commission from a list prepared by the Dade County Chapter, Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association. (3) One (1) member shall be a registered architect appointed by the City Commission from a list prepared by the South Florida Chapter, America. Institute of Architects. (4) One (1) theffiber shall be a t,etber of afi driVifo ffiefita). ofc ah i2at ioo suoh a s, but riot l ih ited top the EhViroFP mental Quality AetiOh do iinittee of the Greater Nliathi dhatilber of COM ierde, the EeatitificatiOh doiitidii of South bade, Eriehds of the Earth, the Sierra Club, Survive, and Tropical Audubon Societyt members shalt be appointed by the City 'CotMiSaion from lists prepared by, but hot l ittl ited t o, the ve ti1ent ioneCd organizations. (6), One (1) tnetnber shall be a lay citizen Who is interested in environmental preservation. The member shad be appointed by the City COMmission from lists prepared by neighborhood organizations: (6) Two alternate members shall be appointed and shall be available at the request of the Chairman toserve on the Board in the absence of a regular member. An alternate member shall have full rights of partici- pation and voting when serving on the Board. (b) RESPONSIBILITIES: The Environmental Preservation Revieta Boardwith the assistance of the Administrative Assistant shall be responsiblefor maintaining a record of unique environ- mentally significant lands or sites within the City of Miami. The Board shall serve: as the quasi-judicial instrument for granting or denying certificates of approval, for tree removal and development activity within those areas identified and established as Environmental Preservation Districts under the terms and provisions of this Chapter. (c) Members of the Board shallbe appointed for a two-year term. All members shall serve without compensation. The Board shall select from its members a chairman to serve for a one-year term. (d) All decisions to approve an application or to reverse 'a decision of the Administrative Assistant require the affirmative vote of fo.ir members. Four members shall_ constitute a quorum. (e) The Board shall meet at least once per month with all meetings open to the. public. The members of, the Board shall adopt rules and procedures guiding the conduct of the meetings and attendance policies. (f) Processing and recording of all forms, applications, and minutes shall be the responsibility of the Building' Department, Members and alternate members of the, Environmental Preservation Review Board may be removed for cause by a vote of not less than three members of the city. Commission, Cause for removal mayinclude excessive absences, (g) SeetiOn 64=5. ASMli lsT iA 'l iE ASSfgtAll _tO xEE.ENVIii MME tAb UtSEkVA i 0i tV i i _beA (a) the birectot of the building EepartitIeht shallappoint' a`+ memberof the building Department to serve as aii Admihis= • trative assistant to the Efivir6hffiehtal Preservation Zeview Eoard: The appointee shall be experiended and knowledgeable in respect to trees and landscape materials, landscape design, site planning and land use control. regulations. (c) b'[tTIESOF_'I'EEAENiINISTRATI EASSISTANT: (1) SerVe as secretary to the board, The appointee shall attend all meetings of the board and maintain a record of the proceedings of. the Board showing its action on each application. The appointee shall schedule and provide notification of Environ- mental preservation Review Board meetings to, applicants and other department and agency represent- atives. (2) Shall be responsible for granting or denying applications for tree, removal, permits in all: areas of the City with the exception of designated Environmental. Preservation Districts. Upon receipt of. a proper application the Administrative Assistant shall review such application, which may include a field check of the site and referral of the application to other departments or agencies as necessary to determine any adverse effect upon the general public welfare. The Administrative Assistant may refer any application to the Environmental Preservation Review Board if in his opinion the application is of such nature to require special consideration by the Board. (3). Maintain and up -date an official map delineating Environmental Preservation Districts and a photo- graphic documentation of all officially designated sites. (4) Work with other City Departments and community environmental groups as required to provide a; continuing effort to protect and preserve the natural environment through public education., and encouraging sound environmental policies. (5) The Administrative Assistant shall ensure that notice of the application for a tree removal permit is mailed to adjacent property owners. (6) Prepare summary reports of all.decisions on tree removal permit applications. The report shall briefly summarizethe conditions and criteria .for tree removal and the decision of the Administrative Assistant. Seetim 64-6. Eft 1ROMME 1T ,t PRES kVAiiiON S tadt'S.: (a) ,Certaih 'ges4raphidai ateaa or Sites may be designated as thviroh entai Pfeaervatioh biatrieta by betic5h of the City Ceffthission redoghitinc the need fat pireserV= atian and protection of such areas because ofMtheit education, econofiiic, ehVironmehtal or ecological iMpottance to the welfare of the general public and the City of Miami. DhVitonmehtal pteserVation bittticts ate intendedto providefor preservation and protection of trees and other significant .environmental features and to encourage design and development activity which. is sensitive to the natural landscape character of the site. Sites With significant trees and landscape materials may be selected as Dnvironmental Preservation Districts because they provide important environmental functions for the Welfare of the community which include the following: Stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion and excessive run-off; giving shade and cooling the land; providing protection from forceful winds using their leaf surfaces to dilute gaseous pollutants and trap and filter out ash, dust and pollen in the air; absorbing a high percentage of carbon dioxide and returning oxygen to the air; alleviating noise pollution; increasing the value of property and adding to the natural scenic beauty of the City of Miami. All regulations and review procedures provided for Environmental Preservation Districts are intended to protect the significant environmental features against needless destruction and to present guidelines which will lead to the continuance and enhancementof those features, while at the same time recognizing individual rights to develop property which is not prejudicial to the public interest. (b) The following natural or man-made environmental features may be designated as Environmental Preservation Districts when one or more such features are located in a geographical area or lot. (1) Clusters of trees with extensive tree canopy,natural. hammock areas and mangrove areas. Land,areas which include one or more clusters ,oftrees which will total 10,000 square feet of tree canopy may be designated Environmental Preservation Districts. Smaller areas or lots may also be designated as Environmental Preservation Districts if the site contains at least one "specimen tree," which is defined as a tree having substantial educational, economic and aesthetic value because of its size, type, age, outstanding characteristics or other professional criteria set forth by the State of Florida Division of Forestry. (2) Exposed geological formations such as natural rock outcroppings, caves, sink -boles, and significant natural topography of the Coastal Atlantic Ridge. (c) (3) 8cehid ttafis iortatiofi cotfidofst Those . toadWay ateas Whioh haVe a,ufiicue lahtlsdape charadteti e ;tehsitie ttee canopy, and ate of subatehtial ehVitohtehtal 1Mportahce to the residents of Miathi as well as to Visitor's Difiiehsiof'ls ahri _ .. e:�terit of soefi�c trarisportation cortidors Shall be detetMihed for each specific area so designated based upon an analysis of the corridor by qualified professional staff of the p p , ro"riate City depart- ffients. The boundaries of the scenic transportation corridors may be determined by thefollowing a) the extent of roadway right-of=way. area; b) all established yard areas fronting on the transportation corridor; c) significant natural features such as trees, geological features which are not within the right-of-wayor street yard area, but are of value as a part of the scene; d) principal natural landscape or man-made elements which form the visual boundary or enclosing space of the corridor; e) areas from which there is a unique scenic view or vista of historical or significant structures or of water bodies such as the Miami River or Biscayne Bay; f) unique botanical features such as rare, exotic and valuable trees orplant life ,or examples of excellent landscape design. PROCEDURE FOR DESIGNATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICTS: (1) Areas or sites to be considered as Environmental Preservation Districts may be recommended to the Planning Advisory Board by private individuals and organizations, all city departments, the Environ- mental Preservation Review Board and the City Commission. (2) All areas to be considered must be evaluated by the Planning. Advisory. Board, with the appropriate recommendations conveyed to the City Commission. (3) Notice to Property Owners. ,A letter. or invitation shall be delivered to the owners of all property within the boundaries of the, proposed Environmental Preservation District, with a full explanation of the reasons for the environmental significance of the property, the effect of the proposed classifi-- cation.and the process by which Environmental ( Prese%vatioft Disttiots are officiallYdesignatod: the oWher (s) Will be ihVited tti appear at a piibI is heatihq before the iaidfihihq AdViaoty board to dis= cuss the Matter: The property May then be redom= mended by the planhing AdVi6ory Board to the City it Goftbissioh for ndiusioh h ah EhVirohtttehtal. Preservation bisttidt x (4) The areas recommended by the Plahninq AdVisory Board and approved by the City Commission ate established as thvirohmental Preservation bistricts. These sites of areas are then added to the official trap delineating Environmental presentation bietricts on file within the Building bepartment. EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT DESIGNATION: (1) Certificate of Approval Required, Once an area or site is officially designated as an Environmental Preservation District, all development activity or removal of trees within that area must be reviewed by the Environmental Preservation Board of Review and.a Certificate of Approval must be granted before a tree removal permit or a building permit will be issued by the Building Department. (2) Relationship to Zoning. " When the City Commission approves the designation of an area or site as an Environmental Preservation District, the regulations and review requirements for both the existing zoning district and the Preservation District shall apply. When the zoning regulations applying to a parcel designated as an Environmental preservation District require review by the Urban Development Review Board, thatbody shall be responsible for reviewing applications for tree removal ordevelopment activity on that parcel in lieu of the Environmental Preserv- ation Review Board. All actions by the Urban Develop- ment Review Board on these applications shall be consistent with the intent of this Chapter. Section 64-7. PERMITTING PROCEDURES: (a) Removal of trees not located in an Environmental Preservation District. (1) REQUIRED: No person, organization, society, associ- ation orcorporationor any agent or representative thereof, directly or indirectly, shall cut down, destroy, move or effectively destroy through damaging, any. tree situated on any real property as, described above in Section 64-3, without first obtaining approval and a tree removal permit as hereinafter provided, (2) REVIEW: All applicants for a tree removal permit must submit acceptable applications as described in Seotion 64..8 of this dhapter; the AditiniattatiVe Assistant to the thVitonrnental Preservation Review Boatd as an offidial of Building 5eparttent shall be tespohgible for the teVieW of s"iUdh appiidations and the granting Of petfiiits. '1'he adifiinitttative aggistaht shall render a decision Within fifteen days (15) after receiving an accieptable applidation. ( ) APPb 1LS : Any citizen may appeal any deo is ion of the building sBo at�i�nChapter` enforcement hEnbf any. teem or proVisio Vironmental Preservation Review Board, by filing, within fifteen (15) days after the date of the initial decision, a Written notice of appeal with the City Manager, with a copy to the City clerk which shall set forth precisely the decision appealed from and the reasons or grounds for the appeal Each appeal shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars to cover costs of publishing and mailing. The Environmental Preservation Review Board shall hear. at a public hearing all facts material to the appeal and render a decision promptly. The Environmental Preservation Review Board may affirm, modify or reverse the decision appealed from, provided that the Board shall not take any action which conflicts with or nullifies any of the provisions of this ordinance. (4) Any member of the EnvironmentalPreservation Review Board may: (a) require any application for a -tree removal permit to be reviewed by the entire Environ- mental Preservation Review Board or (b) within ten, days after the granting of preliminary approval by the Administrative; Assistant, require any such application to be reviewed by the entire Environmental Preservation Review Board. In the case of such a review, the decision of the Environ- mental Preservation Review Board shall super- sede any action of the Administrative Assistant and constitute a final decision subject to. a subsequent appeal to the City Commission.. (5) All permits for removal of trees not located in an Environmental. Preservation District, which are granted by the Administrative Assistant, shall not become effective until at least ten (10) days after the date of preliminary approval. (b) REMOVAL OF TREES AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY OCCURRING IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION DISTRICT; (1) REQUIRREED, No person, organization, society, association or corporation, or any agent or representative thereof, diredtiy or indirectly, shall oft dowi, de6ti:oy, tr Ve or effeetiVely destroy thraUgh dafiagingi tree situated on Shy real property Or other signifieaft dhViroffilefta1: features Witiiih an Ehvirohmentai" Preservation bitttiet or . Shall receive a bUiidinC permit for donStrUCtiOn activity or site iMprovetnents within ah EhVirohtTental Preservation District Without first obtaining a Certificate of Approval from the thViron ental Preservation ltevieW Board as hereinafter provided. REVIEW: Alt applicants for a Certificate of Approval to remove'a tree, or for development Within an Environmental Preservation District, most submit, acceptable applications as described in Section 64-8 of this Chapter._ The Environmental Preservation Review Board shall review all applications for tree removal or development activity within an Environ- mental Preservation District, hold a public hearing, andrender a decision on the matter within thirty (30) days after receiving an acceptable application. (3) APPEALS: Any citizen may appealany decision of the Environmental Preservation Review Board or of the Urban Development Review Board as it relates to this Chapter to the City Commission by filing within fifteen (15) days after the date of the decision, a written notice of appeal with the City Manager, with a copy to the City Clerk, which shall set forth concisely the decision appealed from and the reasons or grounds for the appeal.. Each appeal shall be accompanied by a fee of twenty-five dollars to cover cost of publishing and mailing notices of hearing. The City Commission shall hear and consider all facts material to the appeal and render a decision promptly. The City Commission may affirm, modify, or reverse . the board's decision.. The decision of the City Commission shall constitute final administrative review, and no petition for rehearing or reconsideration shall be considered. Section 64-8. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (a) A11 applications for a tree removal permit for all areas of the City and for a Certificate of Approval by the Environmental. Preservation. Review Board shall be initially made to the Administrative Assistant to the Environmental Preservation Review Board and administered by, the Building Department. The application; must specify the name, address and telephone number of the person seeking the application,. as well as that of the property owners, if different from the applicant, and the street address and the legal description of the subject property. The application, Shall be submitted in two stages, as hereinafter described. P!L INM 1 JAPPLtC ,'TI ista AttLtdAWTS __ALL _SUSMtt _tHE Al written stateitieht ihd ieating, the reason for the removal of any trees on the site, and a Site plah. draven to soale, shoving the generalihdatthh of trees and significant environmental features as with regard to yard areas, s'trtiotureS, utilities, or streets. A minimum of two photographs adequately showing the 'trees and landscape charadter of the site shall be submitted with the preliminary applioatioh, (2)'! A tree survey prepared by a registered land surveyor, Said survey shall show the location of all existing trees upon the buildable area and the yard area of the entire site. Tree information shall be summarized in legend form and shall contain the name, size and location of all trees and landscape features on the site, Groups of trees less than three (3) feet apart may be designated as clumps, with the exception that any tree with a trunk diameter six inches or more must be specifically designated. For, large site areas on which development activity or tree removal is to occur moray a smallportion of the site, the Administrative Assistant or the Environ- mental Preservation Review Board may determine that the tree survey may exclude those portions of the. site which will not be affected by the development or tree removal activity: (3) Two (2) copies of a legible preliminary` site plan design, indicating the following information for the entire site. (a) Location, shape and spatial arrangement of all buildings, walls, structures and significant natural features. (b) General location and . description of surrounding buildings and adjacent land areas,. (c) Location, shape and spatial arrangement of all parking areas and access roads. (d) Existing trees to be removed. (e) Existing and proposed grading. (f) Proposed utility services. (g) Setback and yard requirements. (h) Existing trees remaining in position. (i) Existing trees to be relocated, summarizing in legend form position before and after relocation, (j) Location of any new trees used 4P.rep.acements, (4) PRE ,IMIN ,R `_A ?PR0 3Att Upon approval of the prelim= ihary application, foot pruning of tfees de"s'ignited to be removed or relocated flay be ebTmeheed. NoWever f no removal Of a tree or development activity theft dOMMence on the site until the final application has been approved and all permits have been obtained: 'INATA APPLICATION: (1) REQUIRtO The final application shall include all documents and information submitted for the „prelim- inary application as set forth in Section 64-8(b) and any subsequent redesign.. In addition, the final application. shall include a final site plan and the completed construction documents. Any deviation from. the preliminary design as it affects trees or other significant environmental features will be subject to review according to .the same criteria as the orig- inal preliminary application. APPROVAL:, No approval shall be given until the Ad- ministrative Assistant determines that (a) The application is in accordance with terms of this Chapter There will be compliance with the regulations as 'outlined in Sections 64-9-through 12 of this Chapter. (3) Any change from the final site plan as submitted and approved for, tree removal by either the Building Department or Environmental Preservation Review Board shall require new application and re-evaluation if trees or other environmentally,significant, features are to be affected by the new plan. Section 64-9. CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS FOR TREE REMOVAL: (a) CRITERIA FOR REMOVAL: No permit shall be issued,for tree removal from:the site unless one of the following conditions exists: (1) The tree is located in the buildable area or yard area where a structure or improvement may be placed and unreasonably restricts the permitted use of the property. (2) The tree is diseased, injured, or in danger of falling, interferes with utility service, creates unsafe vision clearance, or conflicts with other ordinances or reg- ulations. It is in the general welfare of the public that the tree be removed for a reason other than set forth above, (3) 13 - ,s a coiid i thh to the granting of a tree removal permit i the applicant will be required where practical to relocate, retoVe or replace the tree§ oh the site as follows: (l) All trees on the §ite which are to be removed, may be relocated obi the site within the building area or the yard area.. (2) If it : iS'` ifipractioal to relocate those trees which are to be moved on the site, such trees may be re- located and replanted off the site but within the city limits of the City of Miami, (3) If it is impractical torelocateand replant the aforementioned trees to be removed either on the site or off the site, because of age, type, size, then the tree may be destroyed, or the applicant may be required to redesign the project to preserve the tree. (4) In the event that a tree is permitted to be destroyed, an applicant may be required to replace the tree with new trees of comparable size, nature, and beauty, as determined by the Board. In no instance, however, shall the replacement tree be less than fifteen (15) feet in height and three (3) inches in diameter. Section 64-10. TREE PROTECTION: (a) Duringconstruction protective barriers shall be placed around the trunks of all trees to be retained on the site to prevent the destruction or damaging of the trees. (b) If at all practical, underground utility lines, curbs and other above grade structures should be routed around existing trees, to the outside of the dripline of the tree. In the event that this is not feasible, a tunnel made by a power -driven soil auger may be placed under the : tree for installation of utility lines, or a trench passing by the side of the tree maybe used for construction of curbing or to accommodate the installation of utility lines. If atrench .is used, care should be taken that as few: roots as possible be cut, that the cuts be made cleanly and that the root ends are painted, with a wound dressing of asphalt base paint and immediately covered with soil. (c) No wires or utility service attachments other than those of a protective nature shall be attached to any tree. • (d) Subsequent to construction or the satisfactory stabilizing of a tree, all protective devices shall be removed. The owner of the project on which the tree is located, the applicant for a tree permit or the individual performing physical moving of a tree, are fully liable and responsible for removal of the devices, (e) Ail trees transplanted pursuant to this Chapter.sha11- be maintained Alive and healthy in the site of transp .ants i for a periodof six i oiiths: ,hV of the a fare ie itioned trees Which die within old tim months shall be replaced by the applicant. The BUiidifig bepattment shall retaih jiiritd fiction to in§Ute "compliance with this gectiOfis Seetion 64=11. EN IRONMENTAL_Itt8tWATION RtVtEi _STAMAR St The.f011oWing standards shall be used by the thvitoh- mental PreserVatioh ReVieW Board ih reVieWing all site. plans, building plans and applications for tree removal within those areas designated as Environmental PteserV- atioh Districts. These standards are intended to proVide a frame of reference for the applicant as well as to provide a basis for reViewing plans and proposals. These standards are not to be regarded as inflexible and are hot intended to discourage innovation or creativity. DEVELOPMENT S1#OULD (a) Preservenatural environmental character of all sites insofar as practical by minimizing removal of trees or other significant environmental features. (b) Preserve or enhance existing topography and natural land form features wherever possible. (c) Use only those signs for identification of principal use. Signs should be of a size, shape, and color which is compatible with the surrounding environment. The size of the signs should bear a direct relation- ship to rate of speed of passers-by not exceeding a maximum size necessary for recognition. (d) Provide visual screening of all parking areas, service areas or storage areas by using landscaping and building materials' which are compatible with the surrounding landscape character." Maintain the continuity of landscape material and spacing characteristic of the surrounding area or scenic corridor. If the development occurs along a designated scenic corridor, the principal natural landscape or man-made elements which form the visual boundaries or enclosing space of the corridor shall bepreserved insofar as possible (f) Consider the impact of public and privateimprove- ments upon the ecological needs of the area. Road- way improvements within scenic corridors and other unique areas should not disrupt or distract from the existing natural environment. Section 64-12. EXCEPTIONS; (a) During the period of an emergency, such as hurricane, tropical storm, flood or other act of God, or in the MI (b) event that atiy tree Shall be deteftihed to be' iii ha2arc oua or dangerous. doiid itioh so as 'te efidafiger. . tie public health; welfare. or safety, and 'requirea itited iate reMOVa i, the requ iremnent a of this Chapter rosy, be waived ' by the . (ity Manager. All licensed punt or tree. nurseries shail be 'eRettiPt from the terPis and provisions of this Chapter in relation to those trees planted acid growing on the Premise's of such licensee which are so planted and growing g for the -tale -to. the general public in'the` ordinary, Course,of such licensee's busitess4 ) All applications for tree removal which do not ,involve any neW'construetion on the subject site ,shall be'exempt from the terms and provisions of Section 64-8..(b) , (2) (3), (c) Section 64-1 . REMOVAL OF TREES PROM PUBLIC LANDS: No tree shall be removed_ from any public land, public park or public right-of-way, except in accordance with Chapter 59 of this Code. Section 64-14. PUBLIC NOTICE: Public notice is required for all applications for . a Certificate of Approval in Environmental Preservation Districts. The type and manner of notice willbe as follows:, (a) POSTED NOTICE: Property being considered for permit under this Chapter shall be posted with a sign at least ten (10) days in advance of, the public hearing. The sign shall measure. at least three:(3) square feet in area; shall be ofa' color and shape distinguishable from the surrounding landscape and shall contain substantially the following. language: A PUBLIC -HEARING INVOLVING. APPROVAL OF A, PERMIT FOR'TREE'REMOVAL OR DEVELOPMENT ON THIS PROPERTY WILL BE HELD BY THE 'ENVIRON- ' MENTAL -PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD OF THE CITY OF MIAMI. .DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY: ' PLACE OF FEARING; TIME; FOR APAITIONAL INFORMATION CALL 445!471I The sign ghali be erected in fail view of the public Oh each street Bide orside hearest a street of the property being considered for permit (b) MAILEb_NOTtCE Nodes of the tithe and place of the public hearing by the Environmental PreserVatibh teView board shall. be sent at least teh (l0) days in advance of the heating by mail to the owner of the subject property and the owners of the adjacent property, and other bepartments of Agencies deemed appropriate by the board. ) PHbLISHEbNOTICE: The published notice shall contain a description of the activity, time, and place, of the hearing. Publication shall be made in the following: 1. A daily newspaper, of the largest general circulation in the City, and 2. A daily newspaper of general, circulation in the City devoted primarily to reporting of financial, business, industrial,: and legal Information,' and A newspaper devoted primarily:to reporting' 'information of interest in an area or locality of the City. Such publications shall be made, not less than ten (10), ''days in advance of the public hearing and shall be prepared and 'paid for by'the City. Section 64-15. PENALTY FOR:VIOLATION OF CHAPTER: Any person, organization, society, association, or corporation or agent thereof, violating the provisions of any Section of this Chapter, shall upon conviction, be fined not more than Five. Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or be imprisoned' not more than sixty (60),days, or, shall be both fined and imprisoned on the discretion of the County Judge. The removal, relocation, or destruction of each tree for which a tree removal permit is required, without proper permit on the job; site, shall constitute a separate offenseunder this Chapter. Section 64-16. FEES: A11 applications for permits for shall be accompanied by a fee in per tree sought to, be removed or Shall be'a minimum fee of $6,00, the removal of trees the amount' of $2.00 relocated,. There, gectiofl 64-17_ The building bepartteht and the Police bepartTent §hail have equal and condUrrent jUritd ic- tioh for the proper and effective enforcement of this Chapter. Section.2, All ordinances, code sectionsor parts thereof in conflict herewith,inaofar as they are in conflict, are hereby repealed. Section S. If any section, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this Ordinance is for, any reason held or declared to be unconstitutional, inoperative, or void, such holding or in- validity shall not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance; and it shall be construed to have been the intent of the Commission of the City of Miami to pass this Ordinance without such un- constitutional, invalid, or inoperative part therein; and the remainder of this Ordinance, after the exclusion of such part or parts shall be deemed and held to be valid as if such parts had not been included therein. PASSED ON FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY this 23 _day of '7724) , 1974. PASSED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY this /Z day of J ___E'V &'#'_ , 1974. 42f gyr2/eE o. • •lie E MAYOR, ATTES CITY CLERK PREPARED BY; 4-MN, k.cars: s ` -�,.... _..._ MIC I L B. ANARRSON APsiWtant City Attorney APPROVED A$ TO FORM• 0#iN $ . LLOYD ity Attorney