A. Purpose
The purpose of this section is to regulate the removal, relocation, replacement, or substantial alteration of existing trees in the city, to prevent the damage or other abuse of trees, and to protect existing trees to be saved during land disturbing, construction, or demolition activities.
B. Applicability
Except for development exempted from the city's tree preservation requirements and standards in accordance with Section 155.5204.B.2, Exceptions, a Tree Permit approved in accordance with this subsection is required before:
1. The removal, relocation, replacement, or substantial alteration of any tree; or
2. Any land clearing; or
3. Any demolition activity in the vicinity of an existing tree that is designated to be preserved.
C. Tree Permit Procedure
1. Step 1: Pre-Application Meeting
Optional (See Section 155.2301.).
2. Step 2: Neighborhood Meeting
Not applicable.
3. Step 3: Application Submittal and Acceptance
Applicable (See Section 155.2303.), except that all applications shall be submitted by a Registered Broward County Tree Trimmer and shall include a tree survey and a tree assessment prepared by an ISA Certified Arborist or registered Florida landscape architect indicating the species, quantity, size, location, condition, status, and value for each tree proposed to be preserved, relocated, or removed.
4. Step 4: Staff Review and Action
Applicable to a final decision by the Development Services Director (See Section 155.2304.).
5. Step 5: Public Hearing Scheduling and Notice
Not applicable.
6. Step 6: Advisory Body Review and Recommendation
Not applicable.
7. Step 7: Decision-Making Body Review and Decision
Not applicable.
D. Tree Permit Review Standards
A Tree Permit shall be approved only on a finding that all the standards in Section 155.5204, Tree Preservation, are met.
E. Expiration
A Tree Permit shall automatically expire at the end of six months following the date of approval, or an extension of this time period authorized in accordance with Section 155.2308.B.2, Extension of Expiration Time Period.