Frequently Asked Questions

Any tree having a DBH of 4 inches or greater that is not specifically excluded from protection, including all mangroves, Sabal Palms, and Cabbage Palms.

The following tree species may be removed from private property without a permit: 

• Acacia
• Australian pine
• Avocado
• Brazilian pepper
• Cherry Laurel
• Chinaberry
• Chinese Tallow
• Citrus
• Ear
• Eucalyptus
• Ficus
• Italian cypress
• Jacaranda
• Jerusalem thorn
• Loquat
• Mango
• Monkey Puzzle
• Norfolk Island pine
• Orchid
• Palms (except Cabbage, Sabal, Palmetto, and Royal)
• Poinciana
• Punk
• Silk Oak
• Toog
• Woman's Tongue

Yes. It shall be unlawful for any person, without first obtaining a permit, to cut down, damage, top, poison, replace, replant, or effectively re- move through excessive injury, or in any man- ner destroy or cause to be destroyed any protected tree.

No. The trimming of trees as normal maintenance is exempt from permitting provided such trimming does not result in mutilation, death, or removal of the tree. Topping, excessive pruning or the removal of more than one-third of the tree's leaf canopy is prohibited without a permit.

The application fee varies from $25 to $100 based on the type of property.

Trees removed shall be replaced as follows: One DBH inch for each DBH inch removed or a fee in lieu thereof shall be paid. For example, if you remove an 8 inch protected tree then you must replant 8 inches of trees or pay the appropriate replacement fees.

The following fees shall apply unless the required replacement trees are planted on the site:

• Individual single-family residential lots presently occupied by the owner:
  • 4 inches to less than 10 inches DBH, $10 per inch removed
  • 10 inches to less than 20 inches DBH, $20 per inch removed
  • 20 inches to less than 30 inches DBH, $40 per inch removed
  • 30 inches and greater DBH, $50 per inch removed
• All other developments or properties:
  •  4 inches to less than 8 inches DBH, $25 per inch removed
  • 8 inches to less than 15 inches DBH, $50 per inch removed
  • 15 inches to less than 25 inches DBH, $75 per inch removed
  • 25 inches and greater DBH, $100 per inch removed

Yes, if one or more of the following conditions is found to exist:

1. The tree is diseased or injured to the point it will ultimately expire and no reasonable remedy exists
2. The tree is in immediate danger of falling and no economically practicable remedy exists
3. The tree is significantly endangering existing structures so that its continued presence will ultimately cause damage and no economically practicable remedy exists
4. In the City's professional opinion the tree is substantially endangering existing pavement or utility services in a manner that threatens to damage property or life
5. The tree creates unsafe visibility which pruning will not rectify
6. It is found by the city to be in the interest of the general public's health, safety, and welfare that the trees be removed
7. The tree or tree cluster is less than 19 inches DBH and is located within the primary building pad, primary foundation line, swimming pool, and swimming pool patio pad or that portion of the driveway within 15 feet of the garage or carport entrance, and these structures cannot be relocated

Diameter Breast Height (DBH) means the diameter, in inches, of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above the existing grade.