Zephyrhills council adopts improved tree regulations

By RYAN DAVIS

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 14, 2001

ZEPHYRHILLS -- City Council on Monday night adopted an ordinance that could help the city to earn the national distinction "Tree City."

"It just beefs up what has been pretty lax tree rules and regulations," City Manager Steve Spina said.

The ordinance, which was approved unanimously, creates a six-person City Tree Board that will develop a more comprehensive plan for care, planting and removal of trees.

The new measure also limits what trees can be planted on the public right-of-way lining streets, and it sets more specific guidelines for replacing trees that are cut down during construction.

The Zephyrhills Garden Club pushed for the ordinance, Spina said.

In other news Monday night, the council as expected unanimously voted to enact the school impact fee, making it effective April 1 for anyone seeking permits to build in the city.

The fee, which is intended to raise money for new schools, will raise the price of a new single family home by $1,694, a new mobile home by $1,187 and a new apartment or townhouse by $722, Spina said.

"Thank you very much," said Pasco schools Superintendent John Long after the vote. "It's been a long process."

Based on last year's building figures, the impact fee would raise about $90,000 a year in Zephyrhills, Spina said.

The city will get 2.5 percent of the money raised, and Spina said Tuesday that he will suggest the council put those funds toward one of the city's school-related programs at the police department or library.

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