Hollywood Tree Removal & Planting Rules - City Guide
Hollywood, Florida requires compliance with local tree removal and planting rules to protect public shade canopy, rights-of-way, and regulated trees on private property. This guide explains what typically triggers a permit, who enforces the rules, steps to apply, what to expect at inspection, and how enforcement and appeals work under the city code.
Overview
The city regulates tree removal and required planting standards for street trees, trees in public easements, and protected specimen trees. Requirements cover permit applications, tree replacement or mitigation, and approved planting species and spacing. Property owners, contractors, and developers must follow site-plan and landscape requirements when altering tree cover.
What requires a permit
- Removal of trees within public rights-of-way or city easements.
- Removal of trees designated as protected or specimen trees in the municipal code.
- Development, grading, or site work that will impact tree drip lines or root systems.
- Planting plans required with building or landscape permits for new development.
Standards for planting
- Approved species lists and minimum caliper sizes for replacement plantings (see city planting standards).
- Minimum spacing and soil/irrigation requirements to ensure long-term survival of new trees.
- Landscape plans must show locations, species, and sizes for required replacements or mitigations.
Penalties & Enforcement
The municipal code establishes enforcement authority for tree violations, including monetary fines, orders to replace or restore trees, stop-work orders, and civil enforcement through the courts. Specific fine amounts, escalation patterns for repeat or continuing offences, and published fee schedules are not specified on the municipal code page linked below.[1]
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Escalation for repeat or continuing violations: not specified on the cited page.[1]
- Non-monetary remedies: orders to replace, restoration, stop-work orders, and potential civil court actions are authorized by the code.
- Enforcer and inspection: the Urban Forestry or Code Enforcement division administers inspections, complaints, and enforcement procedures.
- Appeals and review: administrative appeal or city hearing procedures exist; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.[1]
Applications & Forms
- Tree Removal Permit (name or form number not specified on the city code page).
- Fees for permits and mitigation are published by the city; specific fees are not specified on the cited page.
- Where to submit: Urban Forestry or Building/Planning permit counter; check the city department pages for submission instructions.
Common violations
- Removing a street tree without a permit.
- Damaging tree roots during construction without protective measures.
- Failure to replace required trees or to provide mitigation.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my private property?
- Some trees are regulated and require a permit; check local protected tree definitions and contact Urban Forestry or Code Enforcement for confirmation.
- What if a tree is hazardous?
- Emergency removal for imminent hazards may be allowed, but you should notify the city and document the hazard; follow-up inspections or mitigation may be required.
- Who pays for replacement trees?
- Typically the property owner is responsible for replacement or mitigation as ordered by the city; exact financial obligations are set by permit conditions or code provisions.
How-To
- Determine whether the tree is protected by consulting the municipal code or contacting Urban Forestry.
- Prepare a site plan showing the tree, proposed removal, and proposed replacement plantings or mitigation.
- Submit the permit application and any required fees to the Urban Forestry or Planning department and schedule any required inspections.
- If approved, complete removal and replacement as specified; if denied, follow appeals procedures in the code or request a variance.
Key Takeaways
- Check whether a tree is protected before removing it to avoid penalties and required mitigation.
- Contact Urban Forestry or Code Enforcement for permit requirements and submission procedures.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Hollywood official site - contact and department directory
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances - municipal code
- City departments - Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement