24–30-inch DBH threshold recommended

Recommended

City Arborist Chris Delk presented research; no prior staff position on the specific threshold.

Debated

City Arborist Chris Delk provided a Chapter 23 research update, noting staff was waiting for the town hall to gather citizen feedback before proceeding; the town hall had been rescheduled to May 2 to avoid conflict with Arts in the Park. Delk researched Alachua County's ordinance, which requires trees over 60 inches DBH to go before commission for removal approval and uses a health rating system — a system that has reportedly slowed tree removals. The committee concluded Alachua County's 60-inch threshold was too high for Atlantic Beach's urban setting and focused discussion on 24–30-inch thresholds common in other urban areas.

Decided

PASSED — ESC recommends staff add a 24–30-inch DBH size requirement to prior motions on large-tree preservation.