Pinellas Park vs Safety Harbor
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and Safety Harbor, FL?
Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor have similar restriction levels.
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 →Safety Harbor, FL
Pinellas County
Safety Harbor adopted its Grand Tree Ordinance on December 20, 2021, granting heightened protection to qualifying heritage species at least 26 inches DBH that meet a species-specific point-scoring threshold.
View full Safety Harbor rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Pinellas Park | Safety Harbor |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | - |
| Adopted | - | December 20, 2021 |
| Minimum DBH | - | 26 inches |
| Condition rating | - | 3.5 minimum |
| Live oak threshold | - | 145 qualifying points |
| Magnolia threshold | - | 120 qualifying points |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Safety Harbor FAQ
What qualifies as a Grand Tree in Safety Harbor?
A qualifying species (live oak, magnolia, cypress, hickory, cedar, elm, or pine) with at least 26-inch DBH, condition rating 3.5 or better, and minimum point score on the city scoring matrix.
Can a Grand Tree ever be removed?
Only in narrow cases such as imminent hazard, fatal disease, or where required for permitted construction with no feasible alternative, and only with arborist review and replacement.
Compare other topics
See how Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool