§ 72-831. Purpose and jurisdiction.

(a)

The county council finds and determines that it is in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare to protect and preserve trees and enhance tree cover in Volusia County, Florida. The value of trees are many and varied and include, but are not limited to the following:

(1)

Trees are valuable producers of oxygen, a necessary element to the human survival, and serve to reduce the environmentally dangerous carbon dioxide concentration in the air.

(2)

The leaves of the trees trap and filter out ash, dust and pollen in the air.

(3)

Trees may reduce wind velocity and noise levels.

(4)

Trees may prevent erosion by stabilizing the soil through their root system and by breaking the force of raindrops pounding upon soil surfaces.

(5)

Trees reduce the quantity of surface runoff and reduce the percentages of impervious surfaces.

(6)

Trees help purify water by removing the nutrients from waters passing through the ground from the surface to the groundwater table.

(7)

Trees provide shade and transpire water which helps to moderate temperatures and cleanse the air.

(8)

Trees provide food, shelter and essential habitat for wildlife.

(9)

Trees provide valuable visual aesthetics and psychological contrast to the urban environment.

(10)

Trees are a valuable asset and increase the economic and aesthetic value of developed and undeveloped properties.

Therefore, for the above-described reasons, the county council has determined that it is necessary to enact this division.

(b)

Jurisdiction. This division shall apply to the unincorporated areas of Volusia County, Florida.

(Ord. No. 02-13, § I, 7-18-02; Ord. No. 2008-25, § III, 12-4-08)