Tampa designates grand trees as receiving the highest level of protection under its tree ordinance. Grand trees are typically hardwoods 24 inches DBH or greater and other species 36 inches or greater. These trees require special review before any removal or work that could affect their health.
Grand trees receive enhanced protection including review by the city arborist before any removal request. Removal of grand trees is generally discouraged and permitted only when the tree is dead, dying, or poses a safety hazard, or when no reasonable alternative exists for development. When removal is approved, enhanced replacement ratios apply — typically requiring planting of multiple replacement trees. Tampa's Live Oaks and other native species frequently qualify as grand trees. Development plans must be designed to preserve grand trees where feasible.
Unauthorized removal of grand trees carries the highest fines in the tree ordinance. Enhanced replacement at greater ratios is required. Development projects that damage grand trees face stop-work orders and penalties.
Tampa, FL
Tampa City Code Chapter 14, Article III, Sec. 14-151 caps residential noise at 55 dBA between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM and 60 dBA daytime, measured at the receiv...
Tampa, FL
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Tampa, FL
Tampa has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, anchoring, lighting, and blower-motor noise are governed by HOA and con...
Tampa, FL
Tampa has no municipal ordinance regulating holiday lighting timing, brightness, or animation. Holiday displays are governed almost entirely by HOA and condo...
Tampa, FL
Tampa requires building permits for built-in outdoor kitchens with gas piping, plumbing, electrical wiring, or roofed structures. Standalone freestanding gri...
Tampa, FL
Tampa has no specific city ordinance restricting residential smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Severe persistent smoke could theoretically be addr...
See how Tampa's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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