Subject:
Title
Resolution establishing a schedule of fees for the Tree Bank Fund contribution in lieu of planting trees, as provided in Chapter 58, Article XIX and Chapter 138, Article X. (Regular agenda item that is companion to items No. 4 and 5)
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval through resolution to adopt a fee schedule establishing rates for Tree Bank contributions in lieu of replanting. Companion items are being considered under Case No. LDR-25-02, an ordinance of Pinellas County, Florida, providing for the amendment of the Pinellas County Land Development Code, Chapters 138 and 166, and Chapter 58, Article XIX entitled “Tree Protection” providing for tree protection, permitting, mitigation, and enforcement procedures.
• The Nuisance Invasive Tree permit, Commercial and Residential Tree Permit application fees remain unchanged on the Fee Schedule.
• The tree bank fund fees in lieu of planting establishes fixed fee amounts.
• A separate tree bank fund fee in lieu of planting is established for residential and commercial properties.
• The proposed ordinance and fee resolution are projected to impact the General Fund, with a 10% increase in "Tree Only" permits generating approximately $3,090.00 in additional revenue. The ordinance's revised mitigation methodology is projected to reduce Tree Bank Fund contributions by about 60%, from an estimated $300,000.00 to $120,000.00.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.4 Improve environmental quality
Smart Service Delivery
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement
Summary:
Summary
Chapters 138 and 166 of the Land Development Code (LDC) are being revised to more effectively regulate the county’s tree permitting process, revise landscaping requirements for residential and commercial properties, and revise tree mitigation requirements for permitted tree removals. Provisions related to tree permitting from Chapters 138 and 166 are being combined into a stand-alone tree ordinance in Chapter 58 (Environment), and remaining provisions in Chapter 138, Article X, Division 3 (Landscaping Requirements) and Chapter 166 (Habitat Protection) are being updated. A fee resolution will establish a schedule for Tree Bank Fund contributions in lieu of replanting for residential and commercial properties.
The overarching goal with the update is to achieve improved outcomes in tree canopy retention and replacement by incentivizing retention of highest quality trees and promoting tree replanting on private property with a “right tree, right place” approach. The drivers include the formulation of a practical methodology to calculating tree mitigation requirements, calibrating tree planting requirements on residential lots, and providing a flexible approach to landscape compliance on non-residential and multifamily sites.
The following is a summary of updates:
Move tree permitting and replacement requirements from LDC chapters to create a stand-alone tree code in Chapter 58 (Environment).
Redefine tree replacement requirements for permitted tree removal based on a simple but practical methodology.
Revise and simplify the tree rating system for more consistent application and outcomes.
Revise minimum trees per lot requirement for residential properties.
Clarify language pertaining to existing development and compliance with previously approved site plans.
Designate Tree Bank Fund payment in lieu of replanting amounts for residential and commercial properties.
Update Approved Species List to provide more tree replanting options that are aligned with current best practices.
Update Nuisance and Invasive Species List to align with current horticultural recommendations and promote voluntary removal of these species.
Establish rates for per-tree contributions into the Tree Bank Fund in lieu of planting when on-site planting is not feasible.
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Background Information:
The Local Planning Agency (LPA) recommended approval of the LDC Ordinance during the November 12, 2025, public hearing (Vote: 6-0). The proposed Tree Ordinance was provided as referenced but was not considered at that time. Staff’s presentation noted the proposed contribution in lieu of planting fees to be set by the Board of County Commissioners. No feedback on the fees was provided.
The Board considered the LDC amendments at the first reading on December 16, 2025. The Tree Ordinance was provided as referenced, and the proposed contribution in lieu amounts were discussed in staff’s presentation. No comments were provided regarding the amounts.
Fiscal Impact:
Fiscal Impact - General Fund: The proposed ordinance and fee resolution are projected to impact the General Fund, with a 10% increase in "Tree Only" permits generating approximately $3,090 in additional revenue. Tree Bank Fund: The ordinance's revised mitigation methodology is projected to reduce Tree Bank Fund contributions by about 60%, from an estimated $300,000.00 to $120,000.00.
Staff Member Responsible:
Kevin McAndrew, Director, Building & Development Review Services
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Resolution