Coconut Creek, FL Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Coconut Creek Code § 13-448(m) is the city's heritage tree provision. A request can come from the state, the county or any historical preservation society designated by the city commission, or from a property owner asking about a tree on land under his or her control or ownership. The request must give the exact location of the tree, the name and address of the current owner and affected utilities, and the reasons for the designation. The city notifies the affected owner and utilities by certified mail, and the tree or group of trees cannot be removed during the designation request process or anytime afterward if designated historical.

The City Commission holds a public hearing within 60 days of receiving the request. When the requester is not the owner, the owner is notified of the time, date and place. The commission can designate only a tree or group of trees that is related to an event in modern history, historic events or individuals since the birth of the nation, or any event in the known history of the human race. That link must be tied to historically significant property or to the heritage of Broward County. The other path is age: a tree at least 75 years old qualifies on that basis alone.

Large trees have a separate track under § 13-448(k)(3). A specimen tree is defined in § 13-442 as a tree with a diameter breast height of 18 inches or greater and a condition rating of 60 percent or greater. Projects with specimen trees, or any tree of 18 inches DBH or greater, face preservation and relocation criteria, and if the city finds that neither is feasible, the owner pays into the tree preservation trust fund based on a Trunk Formula Method appraisal by a certified arborist. The city can accept replacement trees of equivalent value instead. Construction next to preserved trees requires protective barriers at least 4 feet high around the furthest dripline or critical root zone.