High-value specimen trees and contiguous specimen tree stands receive enhanced protection under Section 138-3654 and Chapter 166, with stricter mitigation when removal is approved.
Pinellas County uses a tree rating system in Table 138-3654.a that scores existing trees from zero through six based on health and condition. Trees rated highly, plus contiguous specimen tree stands judged of high aesthetic or ecological value by a professional forester or horticulturist, receive elevated protection under Section 138-3654 and Chapter 166. Specimen-quality trees and grand oaks typical of Pinellas habitats (live oaks, sand pines, longleaf pines, cabbage palms) often trigger heightened review. Removal of these high-value trees generally requires demonstrating no reasonable alternative and triggers larger mitigation obligations than ordinary protected trees.
Increased civil penalties, enhanced mitigation ratios, and possible site plan denial for unpermitted removal of specimen trees.
Pinellas County, FL
Sound from commercial or industrial zones reaching nearby residential property lines may not exceed 55 dBA between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. weekdays and Satu...
Pinellas County, FL
Aircraft operations at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and other airfields are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration; the county cannot ...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County treats a dog that barks for 15 or more sustained minutes within an eight-hour window on two separate dates in a three-day period as a public ...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County does not restrict gas-powered leaf blowers specifically; their use is governed by the general residential noise limits in Chapter 58, Article...
Pinellas County, FL
Pinellas County has no countywide overnight parking ban, but Sec. 122-37 limits overnight residential storage of prohibited vehicles and Sec. 138-3220 govern...
Pinellas County, FL
Florida Statute 366.94 preempts local regulation of electric vehicle charging stations to the state; Pinellas County issues permits based solely on standards...
See how Pinellas County's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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