Clearwater allows routine pruning of protected trees without a permit but requires work to follow ANSI A300 industry standards, since over-pruning that effectively kills or destroys a protected tree triggers the same penalties as unauthorized removal.
Community Development Code Article 3, Division 12 governs landscaping and tree protection within the city. Property owners may perform standard maintenance pruning on trees on their own property without a permit, provided the work conforms to ANSI A300 pruning standards published by the Tree Care Industry Association. Excessive pruning, hatracking, or topping that compromises the health or structure of a protected tree is treated as illegal removal under Section 3-1205 and subjects the responsible party to replacement and penalty provisions. Pruning of city-owned street trees and trees within rights-of-way requires coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Improper pruning that destroys protected trees triggers replacement requirements equal to the inch-for-inch DBH lost plus civil penalties under Article 8.
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