Palm Coast: Palm Coast Meeting
Summary. The City of Palm Coast Planning and Land Development Regulation Board held a workshop meeting on March 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM to review proposed amendments to Chapter 11 of the Land Development Code regarding tree protection, landscaping buffers, and irrigation. The meeting was led by Chair Shank with board members Hilton, Nicholson, Ferguson, Decker, and Davina present, while Vice Chair Albono and members Gross and Stansell were excused. The presentation was conducted by staff members Rick Picatacci (Landscape Architect), Dylan Rodriguez (Environmental Planner), Carol Minnie (Urban Forester and licensed arborist), and Fong Winn (Land Use Administrator). The amendments consist primarily of 23 clarifications to existing regulations, with only one new policy change derived from the adopted comprehensive plan. Key changes include strengthened requirements for protecting existing trees during development, clarified tree measurement standards, enhanced mitigation requirements, expanded use of the tree bank fund for arboricultural practices, and updated references to state statutes and professional certifications. The amendments will proceed to City Council on May 12, 2026, for final consideration.
Agenda Items
1. Roll Call
Roll call was conducted confirming a quorum was present
- Chair Shank present
- Board members Hilton, Nicholson, Ferguson, Decker, and Davina present
- Vice Chair Albono, Mr. Gross and Mr. Stansell excused
2. Presentation on proposed amendments to Chapter 11 tree protection, landscaping buffers and irrigation of the Land Development Code
Comprehensive presentation of proposed amendments to Chapter 11 with detailed explanation of each change
- 23 clarifications and only 1 new policy change
- Enhanced tree protection requirements during development
- Clarified tree measurement standards using DBH (diameter at breast height)
- Updated mitigation requirements for removed trees
- Expanded tree bank fund uses to include arboricultural practices
- Revised professional certification requirements for tree trimming
- Added protective barrier requirements
- Updated irrigation and mulching standards
Motions & Votes
Motion to adjourn
Moved by Unidentified board member, seconded by Unidentified board member
Passed unanimously
Action Items
Present Chapter 11 amendments to City Council
Assigned to Staff · Due May 12, 2026
Present Chapter 2 (review authority, development orders, and agreements) and Chapter 12 (signs and advertising) including new digital signage section to PLDRB
Assigned to Staff · Due April 15, 2026
Seek Council support for digital signage amendments
Assigned to Staff · Due March 10, 2026
Consider adding educational materials about invasive tree species for Arbor Day
Assigned to Carol Minnie/Staff
Make consistency corrections to numbering format (four feet six inches)
Assigned to Staff
Review use of 'vegetation' vs 'shrub' terminology throughout document
Assigned to Staff
Consider removing fountains from alternative landscape betterment plan options
Assigned to Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The City of Palm Coast Planning and Land Development Regulation Board held a workshop meeting on March 4, 2026, at 5:30 PM to review proposed amendments to Chapter 11 of the Land Development Code regarding tree protection, landscaping buffers, and irrigation. The meeting was led by Chair Shank with board members Hilton, Nicholson, Ferguson, Decker, and Davina present, while Vice Chair Albono and members Gross and Stansell were excused. The presentation was conducted by staff members Rick Picatacci (Landscape Architect), Dylan Rodriguez (Environmental Planner), Carol Minnie (Urban Forester and licensed arborist), and Fong Winn (Land Use Administrator). The amendments consist primarily of 23 clarifications to existing regulations, with only one new policy change derived from the adopted comprehensive plan. Key changes include strengthened requirements for protecting existing trees during development, clarified tree measurement standards, enhanced mitigation requirements, expanded use of the tree bank fund for arboricultural practices, and updated references to state statutes and professional certifications. The amendments will proceed to City Council on May 12, 2026, for final consideration.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 2 agenda items: Roll Call; Presentation on proposed amendments to Chapter 11 tree protection, landscaping buffers and irrigation of the Land Development Code.
How many motions were voted on?
1 motion were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
7 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
10 members were recorded as present: Chair Shank, Board member Hilton, Board member Nicholson, Board member Ferguson, Board member Decker, Board member Davina, Fong Winn, Rick Picatacci, Dylan Rodriguez, Carol Minnie.
What county is Palm Coast in?
Palm Coast is located in Flagler County, Florida. Browse other Flagler County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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