Cape Coral requires replacement planting or mitigation fees when protected trees are removed. The replacement program ensures the urban canopy is maintained and enhanced over time despite development and property improvement activities.
When a tree removal permit is approved, the property owner must plant replacement trees at a specified ratio based on the size and species of the removed tree. Standard replacement ratios are typically 1:1 for smaller trees and increase for larger specimens. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper and height requirements. Native species are preferred or required for replacements. If the property cannot accommodate replacement trees, an in-lieu mitigation fee may be paid to the city's tree fund for public tree planting. Replacement trees must be maintained and may be inspected for survival. Development projects must submit tree surveys and mitigation plans.
Failure to plant required replacements within the specified timeframe results in additional fines. Dead replacement trees must be replanted. Fraudulent tree surveys or failure to follow approved mitigation plans carries penalties. The city may place liens for unpaid mitigation fees.
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral §12-22 (Noise Control Ordinance, amended Dec 2019) prohibits noise plainly audible at 50 feet between 11 PM and 7 AM from any radio, TV, musical i...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral Land Development Code Section 5.2.7 limits residential fences in the front setback, allows up to 6 feet in side and rear yards, and requires open ...
Cape Coral, FL
Dogs in Cape Coral must be under direct control on a leash not exceeding 8 feet in length under Lee County Animal Control Ordinance. Cape Coral Code Chapter ...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral generally allows lawn ornaments, statues, flamingos, garden gnomes, and similar decorative items without a permit. Cape Coral Code Section 5.5.13 ...
Cape Coral, FL
Inflatable holiday displays (giant snowmen, Halloween figures, Easter bunnies) are not specifically regulated by Cape Coral's Code of Ordinances and are gene...
Cape Coral, FL
Cape Coral does not have a dedicated holiday-light ordinance and treats seasonal lighting as a normal residential accessory use, generally allowed without a ...
See how Cape Coral's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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