§ 60.201. Purpose.

The purpose of the landscaping and tree protection regulations is to protect the general welfare of Orlando residents and visitors by establishing minimum standards for the protection and removal of trees and native plant communities, promoting water conservation and enhancing the city's appearance. The landscape regulations are intended to achieve the following objectives:

(a)

Conserve water by preserving existing established and native landscaping, and plants that are adapted to Central Florida rainfall, encouraging the use of plants suited to the growing conditions of a particular location, and establishing standards for installation and maintenance of plants and irrigation systems.

(b)

Improve the appearance of Orlando and perpetuate its image as "The City Beautiful," emphasizing the natural beauty of Central Florida and the unique flora of the region.

(c)

Improve environmental quality through the retention and installation of plants, including improved air and water quality through removal of carbon dioxide and the generation of oxygen, facilitation of aquifer recharge and reduction of stormwater runoff, decrease air and noise pollution, prevention of soil erosion and sedimentation, and mitigation of heat and glare.

(d)

Increase land values by providing landscaping as a capital asset.

(e)

Provide human psychological and physical benefits, promote healthy environments, and promote participation in outdoor activities with greenscapes.

(f)

Provide habitats for urban wildlife.

(g)

Protect endangered or threatened plant species, habitats, and rare or endangered ecosystems as regulated by Chapter 63, Environmental Protection.

(h)

Eliminate invasive exotic species that threaten out ecosystem.

(i)

Achieve a 40 percent tree canopy across the city through the protection of existing trees and the planting of new trees.

(Ord. No. 2013-74, § 1, 12-9-2013, Doc. #1312091207)