(A) No property owner shall cut down or relocate any tree without first obtaining a permit from the city as herein provided. No trees shall be removed from any public land, including, but not limited to street right-of-way and swale areas, without the approval of the city.
(B) A tree removal or relocation permit shall be in a written form provided by the city for the property owner to request a tree removal or relocation. The applicant must state on the form the reason for the tree removal or relocation. The property owner or agent must fill out and sign the permit, provide the required documentation, and indicate that they will follow all terms and conditions associated with the permit issuance.
(C) In addition, the property owner must attach the following items at the time of the permit application:
(1) Letter from their homeowner association stating that the owner has their permission to act and either a photo of the tree or a detailed map indicating the tree location. Properties not under a homeowner association are not required to have said letter.
(2) A sketch or map indicating the location and number of trees slated for removal/relocation.
(3) At least one color photo of each tree being applied for. Attach additional photos as needed.
(4) Form of payment with appropriate fees: check, money order, etc.
(5) A copy of the notice of code violation (if applicable).
(D) If all documentation is not received at the time of application, city officials may not proceed with processing the permit until all requested information is received.
(E) The application fee shall be $10 for single-family, detached owner-occupied properties. The application fee for nonresidential and multi-family shall be $50 for the first ten trees (any site proposing to remove more than ten trees shall be processed as a landscape permit). Common area HOA shall be considered nonresidential properties. The fee is due at the time of the application submission and will not be returned if permit is denied by the city.
(F) Application fees shall be waived for species identified as Category I invasive trees in the most recent document compiled by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) for the south region. Replacement value shall be determined by qualified city staff.
(Ord. 2021-02, adopted 3-17-21; sought to be reconsidered, Commission passed 4-21-2021; Am. Ord. 2022-02, passed 6-15-22)