WCOM NEWS

1-25-04

Miramar tries to preserve tree canopy

MIRAMAR--When Lloyd Campbell cut down the black olive tree in front of his house, he did not know he was violating his homeowners association rules and the city code.

Throughout the following months, he was cited and ordered to replace the tree, whose roots were damaging his garage, he said.

"I'm a taxpayer and a regular voter," said Campbell, a resident for almost 15 years. "I didn't know I had to go through so much trouble."

Campbell owns property in both Turtle Bay and the Meadows of Miramar, but the problem exists in most Miramar neighborhoods, said Don Waldron of Miramar's department of community development.

In the past 10 years, property manager Mary Blank has seen many trees around the city disappear, cut down by residents unaware of the regulations.

Blank, who manages the Trilogy neighborhood, said she constantly must go after residents who evade the rules.

In Trilogy's case, residents must seek authorization from the association before cutting any tree planted by the developer. If approved, the resident then needs to seek a permit from the city and replace shade trees with large canopy ones. But few, she said, are replanted.

Waldron said the city is working closely with the associations and management companies to curb the unauthorized cutting of trees. And while "it's difficult," he said, "it doesn't mean we're not doing it."

City Manager Bob Payton said the city is "blitzing" the information on the city's Web site, newsletter and cable network, trying to educate residents.

Those wishing to remove a tree must submit a permit application, which carries a base fee of $36. They also must submit a copy of the deed, proving tree ownership, and an authorization from their association, if applicable. The tree-removal company must be licensed in Broward County.

In addition, applicants must provide a site plan, indicating the trees to be removed, as well as its measurements, and the location of the replacement trees. Permit inspection must occur before the tree removal or land clearing.

Payton said the city prefers to focus on education instead of imposing fines on those who do not comply.

While Blank agreed that residents need to be educated, she said the city needs to monitor the neighborhoods more closely.

"The longer you have the tree missing, the harder it is to make them comply," Blank said.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Milton D. Carrero Galarza) 1-25-04