Davie Bylaws: Historic Reviews, Tree Permits & EV Parking

Land Use and Zoning Florida 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026 Flag of Florida

Davie, Florida requires permits and administrative reviews for historic district changes, most tree removals, signage installations and designated EV parking. This guide summarizes who enforces these rules, typical application steps, enforcement pathways and appeal options so residents and businesses can comply and avoid penalties.

Historic District Reviews

Projects affecting designated historic resources in Davie typically require a review to assess compatibility with the historic district's character. The Planning and Zoning or Historic Preservation body administers review processes for Certificates of Appropriateness or similar approvals before building permits or site work proceed. Review focuses on materials, scale, siting and preservation of contributing features.

Apply early—historic review can extend project timelines.

Tree Permits & Preservation

Davie regulates removal, relocation and significant pruning for protected trees in many zoning districts. Tree permits are commonly required where municipal code or site development approvals protect specimen, heritage or canopy trees; mitigation, replacement or preservation measures may be imposed as conditions of approval.

Removing a protected tree without a permit can trigger restoration and fines.

Signage and EV Parking

Signage installations generally require a permit and must comply with size, location and illumination rules in the municipal code and zoning standards. EV parking and charging spaces—whether public or required by new development—are subject to parking layout, ADA and electrical permitting through building/engineering review.

Plan signage and EV infrastructure with your permit application to avoid rework.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the Town/City enforcement divisions identified by Davie (planning, building, code enforcement). Specific monetary penalties, escalation rules and exact sections are not consistently itemized on the general department pages; where amounts or section numbers are not shown on the cited pages this guide notes "not specified on the cited page." Current information is noted as current as of March 2026 where a page does not display a last-update date.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offences may be subject to increased fines or daily penalties; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration requirements, revocation of permits or administrative orders are commonly used.
  • Enforcement contacts: Planning & Zoning, Building Division and Code Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; submit complaints via the municipality's official contact portals (see Resources).
  • Appeals and review: administrative appeals typically follow the municipal code process; specific appeal time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

Typical required submittals include application forms for historic review, tree removal permits, sign permits and building/electrical permits for EV chargers. Where the municipal page lists form names or numbers, those are referenced on the city site; if a form number or fee is not shown on the department page it is noted as not specified on the cited page.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on private property?
No permit is required for every tree; many protected specimens and trees in certain zones need a tree removal permit—check with Planning & Zoning or Code Enforcement for your parcel.
How long does a historic district review take?
Review times vary by project complexity; applicants should allow additional time for board review and public-notice requirements.
Are EV charging stations regulated differently from regular parking?
Yes. EV charging installations may require electrical permits and must meet parking, signage and ADA rules; consult Building and Engineering before installation.

How-To

  1. Identify the permitting authority for your issue (Planning & Zoning, Building, Code Enforcement).
  2. Gather required documents: site plan, photographs, species/diameter for trees, elevation drawings for signage or EV equipment specs.
  3. Submit the completed application and pay applicable fees to the listed department; ask about historic review or tree mitigation conditions.
  4. Schedule inspections and comply with any restoration or mitigation orders if work impacts protected resources.
  5. If you disagree with an enforcement action, file an appeal within the municipal time limit specified on the enforcement notice or department procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Early coordination with Planning & Zoning reduces delays for historic, tree, signage or EV projects.
  • Permit timelines and possible board reviews mean start applications well before construction.
  • Unauthorized tree removal or unpermitted work can trigger restoration orders and fines.

Help and Support / Resources

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