Coconut Creek, FL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Coconut Creek Code § 13-444(b)(3) puts trimming duty on the property owner. Maintenance is required to minimize property damage and public safety hazards, and it includes lifting trees to a minimum height of 14 feet over roads and 8 feet over sidewalks and walkways, plus clearing branches that obstruct street lighting. Landscaping, including sod, next to a sidewalk must leave clear passage for the entire width of the sidewalk. Hedges are capped at 8 feet, and at 30 inches inside the front yard setback. At corners and driveways, § 13-443(12) keeps landscaping in the sight triangles clear between 30 inches and 6 feet above pavement, though trees trimmed so no limbs extend into that zone are allowed.

The same section limits how far a tree can be cut. Pruning must follow the current ANSI A-300 standards, and trees are allowed to attain their normal size and shape for the species. Hatracking, topping, shaping and improper palm pruning are not permitted. The definition of tree abuse in § 13-442 covers removing more than 25 percent of a tree's canopy within a one-year period, pruning that reduces the height or spread of a tree that has not reached 30 feet, pruning that leaves stubs or a flush cut, and overlifting.

Palms have their own test. Proper pruning leaves no less than a 180 degree head of fronds, so fronds at or above the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions stay. Cutting live fronds that start at or above the horizontal plane counts as tree abuse.

There are exemptions: an imminent danger to the public or property backed by a photograph, annual city permits for utilities and water control districts to prune near lines and structures, approved topiary, and historical shaping. Anyone else can apply to the department of sustainable development for a waiver before acting, and a waiver lasts two years at most. Tree service vehicles must carry the company name and telephone number, and the business tax receipt and certificate of insurance must be at the job site.