The loss of mature and maturing tree species during the clearing of land for development
has an adverse effect on the environment. Many communities throughout the United States
require tree protection and conservation during development, and reasonable mitigation
for the loss of trees as a consequence of development. The presence of trees aids
in energy conservation by cooling the atmosphere, reduces air pollution by removing
particulates such as dust and pollen, increases oxygen production, slows surface water
runoff, reduces soil erosion, provides food, nesting sites and protection for wildlife,
enhances scenic beauty, and provides other environmental benefits. The minimum standards
set forth in this article for tree protection, conservation and mitigation during
development are desirable environmental goals that will advance the quality of life
for Duval County and its residents. Furthermore, these minimum standards should be
balanced with the rights of owners of single-family residential and mobile homes to
remove and/or replace trees on their property without restriction and such property
rights should be protected. The intent and purpose of this article, consistent with
the foregoing findings, is to establish the standards set forth in this article as
minimum standards for Duval County so as to promote the health, safety and welfare
of the current and future residents of Duval County.
(Referendum of 11-7-00)
var val = document.getElementById('citecontent').innerHTML;
art.dialog.defaults.title = window.location.href;
art.dialog.data('cite', val);
art.dialog.data('homeDemoPath', '/Scripts/plus/artDialog/');
art.dialog.open('/Scripts/plus/artDialog/citeiframe.html');