Orange County has cited a local property for unpermitted tree clearing along Avalon Road in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement. The citation is the culmination of several years of work by Commissioner Wilson, who spearheaded updates to the Orange County Tree Ordinance, which took effect earlier this year.

Prior the change, developers could clear-cut a parcel under the guise of “site prep” prior to to submitting a development application. This issue was frequently a contentious issue during BCC meetings as land was already cleared before Commissioners could review any environmental or compatibility issues. During an interview with Spectrum News 13, Commissioner Wilson and Playa Pizza owner Stephen Facella discussed nearby clear-cutting and potential flooding impact of Reams Road. Orange County has also increased funding for the Green PLACE Program, which purchases environmentally sensitive lands, and in 2023 purchased 21 acres along Reams Road.

Orange County Zoning Division has placed a Stop Work order on the Avalon Road property, and assessed the below penalties. Penalties are assessed using Diameter at Breast Heigh (DBH), which is the measurement of a tree diameter 4.5 feet above the existing grade.

1. $19,090 per acre (fractional rounded up to the nearest one-fourth (1/4) acre) if DBH inches unknown
2. $106 per DBH inch if verified on-site
3. $318 per DBH inch for impacts to specimen trees
4. $318 per DBH inch for impacts to any permit identified preserved tree;
5. $530 per DBH inch for impacts to heritage trees.

Three total parcels are impacted, all of which are owned by CUMORAH III LLC, which according to sunbiz lists a principal address out of Las Vegas and the only authorized member as M.E. MENDEZ GROUP, LLC. The Las Vegas address is associated with an organization that specializes in entity creation and asset protection.

The acreage between the three parcels totals 25.58 acres, with a Tree Replacement Fund fee of $486,795.

The property owner has to remedy the situation by October 25, 2024 or the violation may be referred to the Special Magistrate.