Subject:
Title
Administrative Waiver of Section 138-3654 for the Majeed Discovery Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the requested waiver to eliminate the requirement for the preservation and/or replacement of removed trees in association with the Majeed Discovery Garden.
• The waiver would eliminate the requirement to provide 314 inches of replacement plantings.
• The waiver would eliminate the requirement for a contribution in the amount of $56,000 to the tree bank fund.
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Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors.
Summary:
The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation (Foundation) is seeking to build the Majeed Discovery Garden in an effort to establish a world class botanical garden with an experiential learning component. The project, as proposed, necessitates the removal of existing trees to accommodate the discovery garden. To remain compliant with the Pinellas County Code the applicant may a) provide replacement trees, b) pay an in-lieu fee, or c) request a waiver from this requirement.
Background/Explanation:
The Pinellas County Land Development Code (Code), specifically Section 138-3654, requires the preservation of trees and/or replacement of removed trees that are impacted by the scope of a development project. To meet the requirements of the Code, the project would need to replace a net of 314 inches or pay $56,000 into the Tree Bank fund.
Fiscal Impact:
The $56,000 payment was not anticipated as Tree Bank Fund revenue for FY22. As a result, no negative budgetary impacts are anticipated. The cost savings from this waiver will be used by the Foundation to offset operation and maintenance expenses typically covered through donations made to Parks and Conservation Resources for routine maintenance expenses and the cost of new plantings.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this waiver is granted under Code Section 166-83 (f)(3), which states, the evaluation criteria may be waived by the county administrator if …it is in the welfare of the general public or citizens that the vegetation be removed..
Staff Member Responsible:
Blake Lyon, Director of Building & Development Review Services
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
1. Administrative Waiver for the Majeed Discovery Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens
2. OMB Review
3. Majeed Discovery Garden Waiver Request
4. Majeed Discovery Garden Waiver