President’s Corner – June 2025 – Viera Landscaping Requirements

I have a really funny story to tell you for this month’s President Corner. So, a couple of months ago, I was on a Facebook discussion page for a neighborhood (no, I won’t mention any names) and there was a lively discussion about meeting with the landscape designer and what that process was like. Then the conversation shifted to the fact that some residents didn’t like what the landscaping requirements were so they would just “kill it off” or take it out after they closed on their home. Well, of course I had to chime in and make sure everyone knew that the landscaping requirements were actually Brevard County code and that everyone was required to have those minimums on their lots. Well, here is the funny part. No one commented or responded to my comment but, the very next day, the page was no longer public, and I was not invited to join the new page, even though I am the President of the HOA. LOL. Oh well, I guess you can’t please everyone.

Now that I know this is a concern for some residents, let’s talk about the landscaping requirements. There are several governing documents, including the Brevard County Code of Ordinances and the West Viera PUD Development Standards, that clearly outline the number and type of trees and shrubs required for each lot, based on its size. While they don’t specify exact species, they do distinguish between palms and hardwoods for trees, and set standards for the quality and grade of all landscaping. A home cannot receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) unless these requirements are met. In addition, the HOA monitors compliance with these standards, and homeowners may receive a violation notice if their landscaping falls below the minimum requirements.

The West Viera PUD standards are slightly more stringent than the Brevard County Code when it comes to the number of required trees, although the shrub requirements are the same for both. Below is an excerpt from the PUD that outlines the formula used to calculate the required number of trees and shrubs based on lot acreage.

As an example, let’s say your lot is 0.35 acres. Here is the formula we use to make sure you are in compliance with the PUD and Brevard County Code.

Trees: 6 x 0.35 = 2.1 trees. Where you have a fraction of tree, you must round up so for this lot, you must have 3 hardwood trees. Furthermore, only 25% of the landscaping requirement can be palm trees. So, in the above scenario, you MUST have 3 hardwood trees.  Just one palm would be more than 25% so palms cannot make up the difference.  You can always have more hardwoods and palms (within reason) but, you can never have less.

Shrubs: 125 x 0.35 = 43.75 shrubs. Again, you must round up here so you need 44 shrubs. Shrubs have to be at least three gallons (or 15-18 inches). One-gallon shrubs do not count toward the total.

There are other standards to meet with these requirements such as the size and quality of trees, newly planted versus preserved trees, native versus non-native, etc. All of these conditions are reviewed with each new home and every modification request subsequent to initial install. These landscaping plans are reviewed personally by me or my staff trained on these landscaping requirements.

And, yeah, I can already hear the eye rolls and the harrumphing about HOAs. But, this isn’t about HOA’s. This is about making sure landscaping plays a major role in our community. Here are few benefits of a strong landscaping code/requirement:

• • Erosion control: Landscaped areas reduce soil erosion caused by wind and rain.
  • Stormwater management: Trees, shrubs, and ground cover help absorb rainwater, reducing flooding and the burden on our stormwater systems.
  • Urban heat island mitigation: Green spaces lower surrounding temperatures and help offset the heat generated by paved areas and buildings.
  • Air and water quality: Plants improve air quality by filtering pollutants and producing oxygen; root systems also help filter runoff before it reaches waterways.
  • Visual harmony: Codes help ensure a consistent, attractive streetscape, preventing unsightly or poorly maintained yards.
  • Curb appeal and value: Well-designed landscapes contribute to higher property values for individual homes and entire neighborhoods.
  • Neighborhood identity: Standards help establish a recognizable look and feel, especially in planned communities like Viera.
  • Habitat creation: Landscaping can support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
  • Native plant promotion: The Brevard County landscaping requirements encourage or require native or drought-tolerant plants, which thrive in local conditions with minimal care and water.
  • Buffering and screening: Landscaping can serve as a buffer between residential homes and roadways, commercial sites, or unsightly uses.

In short, landscaping standards strike a balance between individual property rights and collective community wellbeing. They help guide growth in a way that’s not only attractive but also resilient, responsible, and forward-thinking. And really, who doesn’t love an attractively landscaped home and community?

So, until next time, remember, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.