Tarpon Springs requires a tree removal permit for any protected tree with a DBH of 4 inches or greater under Article IX of the Land Development Code. Trimming up to one-third of a canopy per year is exempt.
Under Appendix A, Article IX of the Tarpon Springs Comprehensive Zoning and Land Development Code, a tree removal permit is required before removing, relocating, or significantly damaging any protected tree on private property. A protected tree is any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 4 inches or more, including all mangroves, Sabal Palms, and Cabbage Palms. Routine trimming does not require a permit if no more than one-third of the canopy is removed in a calendar year; exceeding that threshold is treated as topping and is prohibited. Applications are submitted to the Building Development Department, which reviews health, location, and replacement needs before issuing permits.
Removal without a permit triggers fines and mandatory replacement at one DBH inch removed for each DBH inch destroyed, or a fee in lieu, plus Code Enforcement penalties.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle tree removal permits.
See how Tarpon Springs's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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