Broward County Commission Public Hearing

MOTION TO CONSIDER enactment of an Ordinance, the title of which is as follows:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO THE APPLICABILITY OF LANDSCAPING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS AT FORT LAUDERDALE-HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ("AIRPORT"); AMENDING SECTION 39-77 OF THE BROWARD COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES ("CODE"); AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, INCLUSION IN THE CODE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
 

(Sponsored by the Board of County Commissioners)
 

A Resolution directing the County Administrator to publish notice of public hearing to consider enactment of the Ordinance was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of June 10, 2014.

Amends Section 39-77 of the Code to provide an additional landscaping exemption for areas in proximity to the Airport security fence.

On May, 13, 2014 (Item No. 3), the Board directed the Office of the County Attorney to amend Section 39-77 of the Code to provide an additional landscaping exemption for areas in proximity to the perimeter security fence at the Airport ("Proposed Ordinance").

The Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department's Local Planning Agency ("LPA") held a public meeting on May 30, 2014, and voted to find the Proposed Ordinance consistent with Volume 2 of the Broward County Comprehensive Plan, and consistent with prior direction set forth by the Board.

Various Airport tenants have been required to install landscaping along the fenced perimeter of the Airport's Air Operations Area ("AOA") to obtain site development approval under Chapter 39 of the Code. Removal of that landscaping is now necessary to comply with the Airport Security Program mandated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration ("TSA"). The Airport Security Program requires object-free clear zones within a specified distance of the security perimeter fence. The clear zones are designed to:

1. Ensure adequate visibility, surveillance, and maintenance of the fenced perimeter;
2. Eliminate coverage and hiding areas for vandals, trespassers, and contraband;
3. Minimize the risk of intrusions into the AOA; and
4. Enhance aircraft safety through reduction of wildlife attractants.

TSA has directed removal of all landscaping from the clear zones, and has advised that penalties, including monetary fines, may be imposed on the Airport for noncompliance with its directive.

Enactment of the Proposed Ordinance will ensure compliance of future Airport tenant development with the Airport Security Plan.