Cape Coral, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 5.3.2.A of the Land Development Code requires that 'proposed alterations to ground elevation or vegetative cover not associated with an approved Site Development Plan, Final Subdivision Plan, or building permit shall be submitted to the Director with an application for a permit for Land Clearing and Fill containing the required plans and documentation.' The Director can also require a Florida-registered professional engineer to certify that the work matches what the permit authorized.

Subsection B spells out exactly which activities trigger this site improvement permit: clearing trees and vegetation without disturbing the soil surface, clearing that includes stump removal and grubbing of topsoil, and filling. Once cleared, the applicant is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and replacing vegetation as Chapter 8 requires, and any unhealthy, dying, or dead required plant material must be replaced in the next planting season. Excavation beyond simple surface contouring for erosion control needs a Site Development Plan or Subdivision Construction Plan, not just a clearing permit, and outside agricultural zoning the city will not permit any new borrow pit or mining activity at all.

Two narrow activities skip the permit entirely under subsection F: removing invasive plants without disturbing the soil, and land clearing for agricultural uses. Everything else, including routine tree removal tied to new construction, needs the Land Clearing and Fill permit application reviewed by the Department of Community Development before any clearing starts.