Free meeting summary
Temple Terrace Code Enforcement Board Deliberates on Tree Violations and Property Compliance
- Meeting Overview:
During the recent Temple Terrace Code Enforcement Board meeting, attention was focused on multiple cases involving unauthorized tree removals and property compliance issues. A case concerning the removal of three protected oak trees by the Victoria Terrace Condo Association on Grandville Drive stood out as discussion point. The board assessed the violation, which was deemed “irreparable and irreversible,” as the trees were entirely removed without permits. The City Arborist, Joe Ferris, underscored the importance of following proper procedures, emphasizing that no prior evaluation was conducted before the removals. The association’s representatives attributed the incident to a misunderstanding with their tree service provider, which had operated under outdated regulations. To mitigate the violation, the association proposed replanting either 25 three-inch trees or 12 six-inch trees. The board imposed a $250 fine.
Another prominent case involved the property at 13106 North 52nd Street, where owner Anet L. Anderson removed a protected oak tree without city authorization. Code Compliance Director Tom Bron presented evidence of the violation, noting that the tree had been deemed healthy and substantial by the city arborist, Joe Ferris, who had earlier denied the removal request. The homeowner claimed to possess an arborist letter permitting the tree’s removal, yet it was not presented at the time, contravening city code. The board deliberated on an appropriate penalty, ultimately fining Anderson $750.
The board also addressed a situation on East Queensway Drive, where the property owner faced challenges with insurance claims following a fire that severely damaged the garage. The owner explained the setbacks in obtaining necessary permits due to ongoing disputes with the insurance company. Despite securing a partial payment, the owner expressed frustration with the delays, emphasizing the hurdles in meeting compliance deadlines. The board expressed concern over the lack of progress and imposed a $50 daily fine for non-compliance beyond the March 12, 2025, deadline, urging the owner to present tangible evidence of progress in addressing the violations.
In another notable case, the board evaluated the improper topping of trees at a property managed by Chick-fil-A on East Fowler Avenue. The board considered the remediation efforts undertaken by the property owner, who had removed the improperly trimmed trees and planted new ones. The arborist confirmed that the plantings satisfied the mitigation requirements. Despite the standard fine being up to $5,000 per tree, the board recognized the owner’s efforts and imposed a total fine of $200 for the eight trees involved.
The meeting also covered compliance issues on Beverly Drive, where the board addressed violations concerning unscreened outdoor storage and debris accumulation. The property owner requested an extension to rectify the issues, explaining the complexities of clearing inherited items. The board granted a 30-day extension, with a $50 daily fine for continued non-compliance thereafter, considering the owner’s efforts and the property’s familial context.
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Meeting Type:
Code Enforcement Board
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/12/2025
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Recording Published:
02/13/2025
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Duration:
194 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Hillsborough County
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Towns:
Temple Terrace
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