How Doral Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Doral maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Doral falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Protected Tree Species

Doral protects any tree with a trunk 18 inches or more in diameter at breast height as a 'specimen tree,' with narrow carve-outs for certain county-listed species, nonnative fruit trees, ficus, and most palms. Vegetation the city has legally required to be preserved, including specimen trees and natural forest communities, cannot be removed or damaged without violating Chapter 71.

Key details: Specimen tree threshold: 18 inches DBH or greater. Exempt categories: County-listed species, fruit trees, ficus, most palms. Preservation source: Site plans, plats, or recorded restrictions. Design standard: Preserved 'to the maximum extent possible' (§71-243). Penalty: Up to $500 fine or 60 days jail, per tree, per day.

Section 71-12(c) makes failure to preserve or maintain each individual protected tree a separate violation of the Land Development Code, and each day the violation continues counts as its own separate offense. Because Chapter 71 sets no unique fine, Doral's general penalty under section 1-14 applies: up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days imprisonment, or both.

Parkway Planting

Doral requires street trees along every roadway at a maximum average spacing of 35 feet on center, planted with at least a 14-foot overall height, a four-foot clear trunk, and a 2.5-inch caliper. Species must be ones that normally mature to at least 20 feet, and palms can substitute for standard trees only if they clear specific canopy and height thresholds.

Key details: Street tree spacing: 35 feet on center, maximum average. Planting minimums: 4-ft clear trunk, 14-ft height, 2.5-in caliper. Species standard: Must mature to at least 20 feet. Palm substitution: 15-ft canopy, 25-ft spacing allowed. Banned palm: Queen palm cannot count as a street tree.

Section 71-12(c) makes failure to plant or maintain required street trees a violation of the Land Development Code, with each day of noncompliance a separate, continuing offense. The department of planning and zoning can withhold the final certificate of use and occupancy under section 71-12(a) until landscape compliance, including street trees, is certified, and Doral's general penalty of up to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail applies under section 1-14.

The Bottom Line

Doral's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Doral is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Doral's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.