§ 7.11.06. Utility corridors.

A.

Utility corridor requirements.

1.

Existing overhead or underground utility service facilities shall be considered in the design of the landscaping to provide clearance from the mature height of trees and landscaping.

2.

Any vegetation within a public utility easement shall conform to the maintenance and irrigation of landscape material provisions of this Code. In all cases the minimum requirements of this Code shall be met.

3.

Tree species and placement shall be selected so as to minimize conflicts with existing or proposed utilities. As set forth below no tree shall be planted where it could, at mature height, conflict with overhead power lines.

a.

Large trees (height at maturity of more than 30 feet) shall be planted no closer than a horizontal distance of 30 feet from the nearest overhead power line.

b.

Medium height trees (height at maturity between 20 and 30 feet) shall be offset at least 20 feet from the nearest overhead power line.

c.

Small trees (height at maturity of less than 20 feet) shall be offset at least ten feet from the nearest overhead power line. No trees shall be planted directly under overhead power line.

d.

No tree, shrubs, hedges or vines shall be planted within five feet of any existing or proposed utility pole or guy wire or within eight feet of the front or three feet of all other sides of a pad mounted transformer.

e.

Palms should be planted at a distance equal to or greater than the maximum frond length plus three feet from power lines.

EXHIBIT A

The following plants are considered to be a nuisance within the county and are prohibited from being planted anywhere in the county:

1.

Melaleuca (Melaleuca leucadendron);

2.

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius);

3.

Australian pine (Casuarina);

4.

Carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardiodes);

5.

Catclaw mimosa (Mimosa pigra);

6.

Earleaf acacia (Acacia auriculaefornis);

7.

Eucalyptus species (except Eucalyptus torelliana, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus cinerea);

8.

Silk oak (Grevillea robusta); [and]

9.

Ficus trees within 50 feet of public street right-of-way, street pavement, utility easement or septic tank drain field.

10.

Those plants listed in Section 62C-52.011, F.A.C., Prohibited Aquatic Plants, by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and those plants listed in Section 5B-57.007, F.A.C., State Noxious Weed List, by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

(Ord. No. 2008-09, § 1(Attch. 1), 11-6-08)