Pinellas Park gives heightened protection to large 'grand' or 'specimen' trees, requiring extra review before removal. Grand trees are typically those 30 inches DBH or larger of protected species under Article 4 of the LDC.
Pinellas Park's Land Development Code Article 4 (Environmental Habitat Preservation and Enhancement) provides extra scrutiny for large specimen trees, similar to the Pinellas County Grand Tree designation that protects trees 30 inches DBH or greater (excluding laurel oaks). Removal of grand or specimen trees in Pinellas Park typically requires heightened review by the Community Development Department, including arborist documentation and a hardship justification. Replacement obligations are higher, often calculated on an inch-for-inch or higher mitigation ratio using the city's approved tree species list. Grand trees that are dead, hazardous, or in conflict with required infrastructure may be approved for removal with mandatory replacement.
Unpermitted removal of a grand or specimen tree can result in heightened fines, mandatory replacement at increased ratios, and Code Enforcement Board hearings.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle heritage & protected trees.
See how Pinellas Park's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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