Code Enforcement Board Slaps Tree Violator With $5K Fine
By 
A Safety Harbor couple that cut down a large tree on their property after a moratorium had been enacted in town was ordered Wednesday night to pay a $5,000 fine by the city’s Code Enforcement Board.
The seven-member panel unanimously approved the decision at a rehearing that was requested by the city after the board initially decided not to fine respondents James and Helena Reagan at a hearing in December.
City Attorney Nicole Nate argued that the homeowners should have been subjected to the maximum fine available under the ordinance because not only did they know they were in violation of the moratorium when they removed the tree, they also attempted to cover it up.
“The violator admitted that he knew that the tree was not supposed to be removed, removed it anyway, and then took affirmative steps to try to not get caught, to post items on his property to make people believe that he was allowed by the city to remove the tree despite the moratorium,” Nate said.
“We are here tonight to request that the board modify its order on rehearing and find that a violation of the tree moratorium ordinance did occur, find that the violation was irreparable and irreversible in nature, and impose a one-time fine of the maximum $5,000.00.”
Representatives for the Reagans, who were not present at Wednesday’s hearing, objected to the petition for a rehearing on the grounds that the board did not have the authority to impose a fine, citing state statutes and attorney general opinions that were ultimately deemed to be outdated and irrelevant to the case.
James Denhardt, attorney for the Reagans, reiterated his original stance that the homeowners intended to come into compliance with city guidelines by replacing the tree that was cut down with a new one, a point that was declared to be impossible by city officials.
“How can you plant an 80-year-old tree?” CEB chairman Curtis McCoy, II asked. “That’s the only way you could come in compliance.”
“It’s impossible. So I think that needs to be rectified.”
Ultimately the board voted unanimously in favor of the city, with McCoy adding he felt it was their responsibility to correct their initial mistake.
“We made a mistake when we made that decision,” McCoy, who has been on the board for 20 years, said. “It sets a bad precedent, and we don’t want to set bad precedents.”
“You correct things if you see that they’re wrong. Don’t leave them wrong,” he added. “Make corrections and let people know…if you do this, then your going to pay the consequence.”
CEB attorney Tom Trask said the respondents would have 30 days to appeal the board’s decision to the county’s circuit court.
Related:
- Safety Harbor Tree Moratorium Approved, Effective Immediately
- Safety Harbor Explorer Moratorium On Removing Trees In Town
- Parking Problems Heat Up In Downtown Safety Harbor
My understanding – possibly incorrect – is that there was a imitation permit displayed which resulted in the maximum fine. If they had done things properly & waited until the end of the moratorium or asked the commission for an exemption there would have only been the permit fees
I once tripped on a sidewalk that was sticking up a few inches because of tree roots; I was walking with an infant in my arms at the time; I protected the baby when I fell but my elbows never recovered.
riduculous tree hugers
It is a tree. This is getting ridiculous.
That looks so depressing and naked. Imagine if all neighborhoods in Safety Harbor looked like that.
I wonder why they cut it, looks like it was a healthy tree!
The reason the tree needed to come down is because the roots had elevated the concrete
walkway very close to the front entrance, and they appeared to be spreading in a fashion that
could have been damaging to the foundation of the house.
Consider yourself fortunate if you never had to waste $$ repairing your roof after it was damaged by large fallen tree limbs after a rainstorm.
Excellent move (max. fine).