Clearwater vs Pinellas Park
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Clearwater, FL and Pinellas Park, FL?
Clearwater and Pinellas Park have similar restriction levels.
Clearwater, FL
Pinellas County
Clearwater designates specimen tree stands and protected trees that must be preserved to the maximum extent possible, with development flexibility granted to avoid removal of significant trees.
View full Clearwater rules →Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Pinellas Park gives heightened protection to large 'grand' or 'specimen' trees, requiring extra review before removal. Grand trees are typically those 30 inches DBH or larger of protected species under Article 4 of the LDC.
View full Pinellas Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clearwater | Pinellas Park |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Grand tree threshold | - | 30 inches DBH |
| Excluded species | - | Laurel oaks excluded |
| Code reference | - | LDC Article 4 |
| Replacement ratio | - | Inch-for-inch or higher |
| Approval authority | - | Community Development Dept. |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clearwater FAQ
What counts as a specimen tree in Clearwater?
Specimen tree stands are groupings identified during development review for their species, size, or ecological value, and the code requires maximum preservation.
Can I prune a protected tree heavily?
No. Removing more than 30 percent of foliage in a single year is prohibited, and improper cuts such as flush or stub cuts violate the code.
Pinellas Park FAQ
What qualifies as a grand or heritage tree in Pinellas Park?
Trees 30 inches or larger DBH of protected species are typically classified as grand trees, receiving heightened protection consistent with Pinellas County's grand tree standard.
Can I remove a grand tree if it threatens my house?
Yes, but you must apply for a removal permit with arborist documentation showing the tree is hazardous or causing structural damage. Replacement is generally required.
What replacement is required for a grand tree?
Replacement is typically calculated on an inch-for-inch or greater basis using species from Pinellas Park's approved list, or a payment to the tree mitigation fund.
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