Frequently Asked Questions

A Protected Tree is a tree that has a diameter of at least twelve inches or is a live oak or sand live oak with a diameter of at least six inches.  

A Heritage Tree is a healthy, Protected Tree and has a root system with a diameter at breast height equal to or greater than 30 inches or a live oak tree with a diameter at breast height equal to or greater than twenty-four inches.   

An application for a Tree Removal Permit and a Tree Protection Plan must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Department.  

A Tree Removal Permit is required when a property owner wishes to remove a Protected Tree.

The application fee is $25. Upon approval of the permit, a $250 fee is required.

A Tree Protection Plan identifies preservation methods for Protected Trees and provides a Tree Replacement and Remediation Plan for Protected Trees that are requested to be removed. A Tree Protection Plan must be submitted in order to be granted a Tree Removal Permit.  

When not specifically exempted from tree replacement and remediation, each Protected Tree that is permitted for removal must be replaced with a new tree or trees having a total tree diameter equivalent to that of the diameter of the tree or trees removed.  Replacement trees must be a minimum of three inches in diameter and twelve feet in height at the time of planting.  

With a Tree Removal Permit, protected trees may be removed within ten feet of the footprint of the principal residential structures, or within the immediate footprint of site improvements (including but not limited to the garage, carport, driveway, and swimming pool) without replacement or remediation.

When a heritage tree is present on the lot, this exemption is limited to the footprint of the principal building, not accessory structures, unless protection of the heritage tree denies or precludes reasonable use of the property.