Davie Ordinances: Tree Care, Public Art, Waterfront
Davie, Florida maintains local ordinances and departmental rules that affect tree care, public art installations, and activities along waterfronts and canals. This guide explains the main municipal instruments, who enforces them, how permits and approvals typically work, and the practical steps residents, property owners, and artists should follow to remain compliant and to report problems to town officials. It summarizes official sources and points you to forms, contacts, and appeal pathways for each topic.
Tree care and conservation
The Town of Davie regulates tree preservation, removal, and replacement through its municipal code and planning policies. Property owners often need approval for trimming or removing protected trees, and certain projects require mitigation plantings or replacement. For exact code language and definitions, consult the municipal code and the town planning pages.[1]
- Permit required for protected tree removal in development and some private-property cases (see code).[1]
- Inspections for tree protection during construction are managed by Planning/Building staff.
- Mitigation or replacement plantings may be required where removal is permitted.
Public art
Davie supports public art projects through town programs and commissions; public art in parks or on municipal property typically requires application, site approval, and coordination with the appropriate town department or arts commission.[2]
- Artist proposals usually require a written application and site plan submitted to the arts or parks office.[2]
- Contact the town arts coordinator for guidelines on materials, maintenance, and liability.
- Installation permits or building permits may be required for anchored or electrical works.
Waterfront and canal works
Davie’s waterways and canals are subject to municipal and, where applicable, county or state regulation. Activities such as seawall work, dock construction, dredging, or altering shorelines commonly require permits and coordination with multiple agencies; the town can advise on local requirements and referral to county or state permitting as needed.
- Local permits or approvals for structures near canals often must be coordinated with Planning/Building and environmental staff.
- Report unauthorized waterfront work to Code Compliance or the Planning Division for inspection.
- State or county permits may also be required; the town staff will note referrals during review.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of tree, public art, and waterfront rules is handled by the Town of Davie departments listed below or as specified in the municipal code and administrative rules. Specific monetary fines or schedules for these topics are not consistently itemized on the cited municipal pages; where amounts or schedules are not published, this guide notes "not specified on the cited page." For precise penalty language consult the municipal code and enforcement notices.[1]
- Enforcer: Planning Division, Building Division, and Code Compliance are the usual enforcement offices; contact details appear on town pages.
- Fines: monetary amounts for tree or waterfront violations are not specified on the cited municipal code overview page; see the municipal code for any section-specific fines.[1]
- Escalation: whether penalties increase for repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page and will depend on the code section applied.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, restoration orders, required mitigation plantings, and referral to hearing or court processes may be used.
- Inspection & complaints: submit complaints or request inspections via Code Compliance or online reporting; staff evaluate and issue notices.
- Appeals: appeal routes vary by ordinance; time limits for appeals or requests for administrative review are not specified on the general municipal overview and should be confirmed with the enforcing department or the code section cited.[1]
Applications & Forms
- Tree removal or mitigation permits: name/number not specified on the cited overview; request the specific application from Planning or view the forms page on the town website.[1]
- Public art proposals: submit the artist application or proposal packet to the arts coordinator; the exact form name is available from the Arts/Culture office.[2]
- Waterfront permits: building or structural permit forms come from Building/Permitting; state referrals may require online application to county or state portals.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?
- Protected trees may require a permit or approval; check the municipal code and contact the Planning Division for site-specific rules and application requirements.[1]
- How do I propose a public artwork for a park?
- Submit an artist proposal or application to the town arts coordinator or commission; follow site, materials, and maintenance guidelines provided by the town.[2]
- Who inspects unauthorized waterfront work?
- Code Compliance and the Building/Planning divisions inspect unauthorized waterfront or canal work and will coordinate with county or state agencies for environmental or permitting issues.
How-To
- Document the issue: take dated photos and record addresses or parcel numbers.
- Check the municipal code and forms online to identify likely required permits or prohibitions.[1]
- Contact the relevant town office (Planning, Building, or Arts) to report or to request an application.
- Submit the application or complaint with supporting evidence and pay any applicable fees.
- If issued a notice, follow instructions, or file an appeal within the time stated by the enforcing office.
Key Takeaways
- Always check with Planning/Building before removing protected trees or installing public art.
- Report violations with photos to Code Compliance for inspection.
- Permits and coordination with county/state agencies may be required for waterfront projects.
Help and Support / Resources
- Town of Davie Code of Ordinances
- Davie Arts & Culture information
- Planning Division / Permitting
- Code Compliance / Report a Concern