2347 Fiddlers Lane WAIV18-0006 Staff Report CC 06.25.2018CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA ITEM: WAIV18-0006 Public Hearing
Request for waiver as permitted by Section 23-8 to waive the required mitigation for tree removal on a residential property as required by Section 23-33 to allow the construction of
a new single family home at 2347 Fiddlers Lane (Lot 54 Oceanwalk Unit One.)
SUBMITTED BY: Shane Corbin, Planning and Community Development Director
APPLICANT: Julie Hammond, the owner of 2347 Fiddlers Lane
DATE: July 9, 2018
BACKGROUND: The applicant purchased the property in 1986 and it remained vacant resulting in heavy vegetative growth. In November 2017, a tree mitigation permit/plan was processed for
the property as part of a building permit for a new home. 43 of 96 healthy trees were identified for removal totaling 540 inches. This resulted in a required mitigation calculation
of 270 inches (50%).
The approved mitigation plan called for 20 palm trees, one crape myrtle, and five live oaks. However, the applicant felt the mitigation plantings in conjunction with the trees being
preserved (53) results in too many trees for the lot (79). On June 11, the applicant brought a waiver request to reduce the required mitigation to the City Commission. The City Commission
deferred its vote on the request to June 25 in order for the applicant to explore additional mitigation options. The request was deferred a second time on June 25.
The Oceanwalk Homeowners Association has agreed to accept any new trees that will not fit on the applicant’s lot. However, relief is needed from the requirement that all mitigation planting
be done onsite or on an immediate adjacent neighbor’s property. Sec. 23-33 (f) (1) e. “In the event that a property cannot reasonably accommodate required mitigation on site, the property
owner can get replacement credit for planting trees on an immediately adjacent neighbor's property. This shall only be done as an alternative to payment into the tree fund when it can
be proven that a site cannot fit required replacement plantings.” The applicant is requesting relief from this provision to plant some of the required mitigation in common areas managed
by the Ocenawalk Homeowners Association.
BUDGET: None
RECOMMENDATION: To consider waiver WAIV18-0006
REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER: ______________________________________________