Temple Terrace Tree Removal Permits and Tree Ordinance Guide
Last reviewed October 28, 2026. Next review due April 28, 2027. By Forest, Property Intelligence Specialist, Ken's Tree Service.
Do you need a tree removal permit in Temple Terrace?
Temple Terrace requires a permit before removing a protected tree, subject to the species exemptions, grand-tree rules, scope conflict and qualifying state-law route explained in this guide. (Section 12-768(a)(1)) The City calls its application the Tree Removal / Trimming Permit Application. (City tree guidance)
Ask the City about jurisdiction, tree category and the application route before work. Ken's Tree Service's city-or-county tree permit guide is related reading, not a Hillsborough County parent.
Grand trees face a retention default; other protected trees face a permit rule
Grand-tree and cluster removal is allowed only on one of the two findings in Section 12-768(a)(2), subject to the exemptions and qualifying state-law route. (Section 12-768(a)(2)) For non-grand protected-tree removal on an existing lot outside development, a permit is required, subject to the exemptions, scope conflict and qualifying state-law route, but Division 8 states no permit-issuance standard. (Section 12-768)
Division 8 regulates tree removal and trimming on public and private property and requires trees on developed parcels. (Section 12-764) Its stated intent is not to preclude beneficial use when Division 8 conflicts with the LDC's regulations or zoning standards. (Section 12-767(b))
Section 12-767(a) describes removal regulation as extending to property "being developed or improved." (Section 12-767(a)) Section 12-768(a) says the regulations apply to all land in the City and are cumulative to Division 8's other regulations. (Section 12-768(a))
The City's tree guidance expressly addresses residential and commercial property. (City tree guidance) Its permitting page accepts residential tree-removal applications by email only after City Arborist approval. (City permitting guidance)
Neither the scope conflict nor the missing issuance standard means the City must or will approve removal. Do not turn the narrower scope sentence into a blanket existing-home exemption.
Which trees and palms are protected?
For Table 1 species, the protected-tree threshold is at least 12 inches DBH on single-family residential platted land and at least 5 inches DBH on commercial, office, institutional, multifamily, research corporate park or unplatted residential land, subject to the exemptions and separate grand-tree class. (Section 12-40 (Protected tree))
All palm species, not only cabbage palms, enter the protected-tree definition at 4.5 feet of clear trunk from ground to the lowest branch; Queen Palm is separately listed as removal-exempt in Table 3. (Section 12-40 (Protected tree, palms)) Table 3 does not mark Queen Palm with the invasive asterisk. (Section 12-772 Table 3 (Queen Palm))
A Table 1 tree at least 24 inches DBH is a grand tree, subject to the separate removal findings, exemptions and qualifying state-law route. (Section 12-762 (Grand tree)) The cluster definition requires three or more protected trees within a ten-foot radius, with at least three individual trunks measuring 15 inches DBH or greater. (Section 12-762 (Cluster of trees))
The protected-tree definition excludes grand trees rather than treating grand as a second name for the same class. (Section 12-40 (Protected tree, exclusion))
A species absent from both Table 1 and Table 3 is neither expressly brought into protection by the Table 1 species clause nor expressly listed as exempt; the all-palms clause is separate. The City must resolve that classification, rather than this guide declaring such trees unregulated. (Section 12-40; Section 12-772)
Dead and damaged trees
City guidance says standing dead trees at least 12 inches DBH on single-family residential property require a removal permit, subject to the code exemptions and qualifying state-law route. (City tree guidance) The natural-disaster exemption covers non-grand trees irreversibly damaged or destroyed by fire, wind, lightning, disease or similar disaster, but the City Code still requires a permit for any grand tree, damaged or not, subject to Florida Statute 163.045. (Section 12-767(c)(3))
How is tree size measured?
DBH is trunk diameter at 54 inches, or 4.5 feet, above ground. (Section 12-762 (DBH)) For multiple main stems, the Code adds the stems' diameters. (Section 12-40 (DBH))
For screening, trunk circumference at that height divided by 3.14 gives approximate diameter: 37.68 inches of circumference corresponds to 12 inches DBH; 15.70 corresponds to 5 inches; and 75.36 corresponds to 24 inches. These are derived conversions, not alternative legal thresholds or a substitute for the City's measurement.
What exceptions change the removal answer?
Commercial trees grown for sale are exempt from Division 8. (Section 12-767(c)(1))
Bona fide commercial agricultural operations are exempt from Division 8. (Section 12-767(c)(2))
Tree removal pursuant to an approved development of regional impact and its development order is exempt from Division 8. (Section 12-767(c)(4))
Table 3 species do not require a City removal permit under Division 8; that exemption is not merely a permit-fee waiver. (Section 12-767(c)(5))
The disaster exception is addressed with dead and damaged trees. Florida's separate residential documentation route is addressed in its own section.
Does pruning a tree on private property need a permit?
Private-property pruning requires a City permit when a branch to be cut from a protected or grand tree is at least 10 inches in diameter, subject to the Division 8 exemptions, scope conflict and qualifying state-law route; topping and nonstandard pruning are prohibited rather than made lawful by that permit. (Section 12-771(b))
All tree trimming must follow ANSI A300-2001, as amended, and pruning inconsistent with those standards is prohibited. (Section 12-771(a)) Topping any tree is prohibited. (Section 12-771(d))
The Code's topping definition includes heading, tipping, hat-racking, lions tailing and rounding over. (Section 12-762 (Topping)) Removal includes relocation, damage, poisoning and other destruction, so a job described as pruning can still be regulated removal. (Section 12-40 (Remove))
For smaller branches, check approved-landscape duties (Section 12-1046; Section 12-1047), construction protection (Section 12-769) and right-of-way approvals (Section 12-412(b); Section 22-351). These separate controls do not establish a blanket no-permit answer or authorize topping.
Which species are approved, exempt or invasive?
Approved trees are those in Table 1 of Section 12-772. (Section 12-762 (Approved trees))
Table 1: approved trees
Table 1 lists the approved common and scientific names reproduced here, with the Code's spellings. (Section 12-772 Table 1)
Common name | Scientific name as printed |
|---|---|
Ash* | Fraxinus spp. (Table 1) |
Bottlebrush | Callistemon spp. (Table 1) |
Camphor* | Cinnamomum camphora (Table 1) |
Chickasaw Plum | Prunus angustifolia (Table 1) |
Chinese Fan Palm | Livistona chinesis (Table 1) |
Crape Myrtle | Lagerstroemia indica (Table 1) |
Cypress* | Taxodium spp. (Table 1) |
Date Palm | Phoenix spp. (Table 1) |
Dogwood* | Cornus spp. (Table 1) |
Elm* | Ulmus spp. (Table 1) |
European Fan Palm | Chamoerops humilis (Table 1) |
Flatwoods Plum | Prunus umbellata (Table 1) |
Golden Rain Tree* | Koelreuteria elegans (Table 1) |
Holly* | Ilex spp. (Table 1) |
Hornbeam | Carpinus spp. (Table 1) |
Indian Rosewood* | Dalbergia sissoo (Table 1) |
Jerusalem Thorn | Parkinsonia aculeata (Table 1) |
Ligustrum | Ligustrum spp. (Table 1) |
Loblolly Bay* | Gordonia lasianthus (Table 1) |
Loquat | Eriobotrva japonica (Table 1) |
Magnolia* | Magnolia spp. (Table 1) |
Maple* | Acer spp. (Table 1) |
Needle Palm | Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Table 1) |
Oak* | Quercus spp. (Table 1) |
Pecan* | Carya spp. (Table 1) |
Pignut Hickory* | Carya glabra (Table 1) |
Pine* | Pinus spp. (Table 1) |
Podocarpus | Podocarpus spp. (Table 1) |
Redbud | Cercis canadensis (Table 1) |
Red Cedar | Juniperus spp. (Table 1) |
River Birch | Betula nigra (Table 1) |
Sabal/Cabbage Palm | Sabal palmetto (Table 1) |
Sycamore* | Platanus or Plantus spp. (Table 1) |
Sugarberry* | Celtis laevigata (Table 1) |
Sweetgum* | Liquidambar styraciflua (Table 1) |
Tulip Poplar* | Liriodendron tulipifera (Table 1) |
Washington Palm | Washington robusta (Table 1) |
Wax Myrtle | Myrica cerifera (Table 1) |
Willow | Salis or Salix spp. (Table 1) |
The Table 1 asterisk identifies shade trees for Section 12-768(a)(2)b. (Section 12-772 Table 1 note)
Table 3: exempt and invasive trees
Table 3 lists the exempt species and marks invasive species with the asterisks reproduced in this table. (Section 12-772 Table 3)
Common name | Scientific name as printed | Invasive asterisk |
|---|---|---|
Australian Pine | Casuarina spp. | Yes (Table 3) |
Black/Wild Cherry | Prunus serothina | No (Table 3) |
Brazilian Pepper | Schun terebinthifolius | Yes (Table 3) |
Catclaw Mimosa | Mimosa pigra | Yes (Table 3) |
Cherry Laurel | Prunus caroliniana | No (Table 3) |
Chinaberry | Melia azedarach | Yes (Table 3) |
Chinese Tallow | Sapium sebiferum | Yes (Table 3) |
Citrus Tree | Citrus spp. | No (Table 3) |
Earleaf Acacia | Acacia aurifuliformis | Yes (Table 3) |
Ear Tree | Enterolobium contortisiliquum | Yes (Table 3) |
Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus spp. | No (Table 3) |
Indian Rosewood | Dalbergia sissoo | No (Table 3) |
Lead Tree | Leucaena leucocephela | Yes (Table 3) |
Monkey Puzzle | Aauracaria wrightii | No (Table 3) |
Mulberry | Broussonetia papyrifera | Yes (Table 3) |
Orchid Tree | Bauhinia veriegata | Yes (Table 3) |
Punk Tree | Melaleuca quinquernervia | Yes (Table 3) |
Queen Palm | Arecastrum romanzoffianum | No (Table 3) |
Silk Oak | Grevillea robusta | Yes (Table 3) |
Surinam Cherry | Eugenia uniflora | Yes (Table 3) |
Woman's Tongue | Albizia lebbek | Yes (Table 3) |
Table 3's starred invasive species must be eliminated and removed during site development. (Section 12-772 Table 3 note) The operative duty is also in Section 12-771.
The scientific spellings in both tables are reproduced as printed, not silently updated. Indian Rosewood is on both tables: the approved shade-tree list and the removal-exempt list.
Camphor is an approved shade tree in Table 1, not a Table 3 listed exemption; Indian Rosewood's dual listing should not be silently resolved. (Section 12-772 Table 1 (Camphor))
Who can apply for a tree permit?
City guidance says, "A licensed arborist must obtain the tree removal packet and complete it before the tree is removed." (City tree guidance) The linked application was unavailable when checked on October 28, 2026, so its current signature, owner-authorization, association and corporate-agent requirements could not be verified.
Ask Permitting who must sign for the homeowner, company or HOA. Do not substitute building-permit applicant rules for the tree form.
When does Florida Statute 163.045 change the answer?
Florida Statute 163.045 has a narrow residential risk-documentation test, not a tree-health exemption. It must be assessed separately from the City's grand-tree findings.
For Section 163.045(1)(b), residential property means a single-family detached building on a lot actively used for single-family residential purposes, as a conforming or legally recognized nonconforming use under local land-development regulations. (Florida Statute 163.045) A commercial parcel, multifamily property or HOA common area does not qualify merely because people live nearby.
Section 163.045(1)(a) requires an onsite assessment using Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017), performed and signed by an ISA certified arborist or a Florida licensed landscape architect. (Florida Statute 163.045)
Section 163.045(2) states: "A local government may not require a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on a residential property if the property owner possesses documentation from an arborist certified by the ISA or a Florida licensed landscape architect that the tree poses an unacceptable risk to persons or property." (Florida Statute 163.045)
Under Section 163.045(2), unacceptable risk means removal is the only means of practically mitigating risk below moderate under that same named assessment standard. (Florida Statute 163.045) For work meeting the statute's conditions, Section 163.045(3) prohibits a local replanting requirement. (Florida Statute 163.045)
Section 163.045(4) does not displace specifically delegated mangrove-protection authority. (Florida Statute 163.045) Ken's Tree Service does not sign this documentation itself; this regional guide is not an offer to arrange work in Temple Terrace.
What penalties can unauthorized removal or damaging work bring?
Section 12-763 requires replacement for intentional prohibited removal, inadvertent removal, or removal made necessary by construction damage or carelessness. (Section 12-763 lead-in)
Its "additional penalty" uses trunk cross-sectional square inches: circumference squared divided by four times pi, measuring circumference at 4 feet 6 inches above grade. (Section 12-763(1)) At least 50 percent of the penalty's required cross-sectional inches must be on the subject site. (Section 12-763(2))
The additional penalties reach tree losses incurred up to one year after construction completion. (Section 12-763(3)) For a protected or grand pine removed in the circumstances governed by Section 12-763, 50 percent of the calculated cross-sectional inches must be replaced. (Section 12-763(4)) Penalty replacement trees dying within one year of planting must be replaced within 30 days of City notice. (Section 12-763(5))
Except as otherwise provided, LDC violations are punishable under Chapter 1, Article II. (Section 12-2)
Enforcement route | Codified maximum or remedy | History instruments and adoption dates, not established effective dates |
|---|---|---|
Section 1-70(e) and (f) | Administrative fines may reach $250 per violation per day for a first violation and $500 per violation per day for a repeat violation, under the board or special-magistrate procedures. (Section 1-70(e)) An irreparable or irreversible violation may bring a fine up to $5,000 per violation when the board or special magistrate makes that finding. (Section 1-70(f)) | Section 1-70's history lists Ordinance 1308, Section 2 (Exhibit A, Section 25.315.10), adopted February 21, 2012; Ordinance 1346, Section 2, adopted July 2, 2013; and Ordinance 1516, Section 2 (Attachment A), adopted November 2, 2021; which instrument set each figure and its effective date are not established. (Section 1-70 (history)) |
Section 1-39(c) | Except as otherwise provided by law or ordinance, a conviction can bring up to $500, up to 60 days' imprisonment, or both. (Section 1-39(c)) | Section 1-39's history lists Code 2001, Sections 1.145 and 1.150; Ordinance 392, adopted August 28, 1979; and Ordinance 474, adopted May 17, 1983; which instrument set each figure and its effective date are not established. (Section 1-39 (history)) |
A first-violation daily fine runs after the compliance date set in the enforcement order. (Section 1-70(a)) A repeat-violation daily fine can run after notice of that repeat violation. (Section 1-70(b))
A recorded enforcement order can become a lien against the violation land and other property owned by the violator. (Section 1-72(a)) Continuing violations may be abated by injunction or other equitable relief, separately from a penalty. (Section 1-39(e))
The history dates above are not established effective dates for particular figures. The separate 2026 supplemental citation amendment is addressed in Sources and scope.
What replacement is required for authorized removal?
Finding under Section 12-768(a)(2) | Replacement specified there |
|---|---|
Public health, safety and welfare, or clear and present danger | When removal is authorized under the public-health, safety and welfare or clear-and-present-danger finding, no replacement is required by that paragraph. (Section 12-768(a)(2)a) |
Beneficial use prevented | When removal is authorized because the grand tree or cluster prevents beneficial use, that paragraph requires one replacement shade tree of three-inch DBH. (Section 12-768(a)(2)b) |
Table 2: tree equivalency
Table 2 gives these protected-tree replacement equivalents when an operative approval rule invokes it. (Section 12-772 Table 2)
Table 2 separately says grand trees and clusters other than pine are replaced at 200 percent of actual DBH inches, while pine replacement is 50 percent of actual DBH inches. (Section 12-772 Table 2 (grand trees and pines))
Those general Table 2 grand-tree rates and the specific no-replacement or one-tree findings do not say how they interact. Do not silently substitute one for the other; ask the City which provision governs the particular approval. (Section 12-768; Section 12-772)
How do commercial, multifamily, HOA and institutional projects differ?
If you manage an HOA common area, business campus or apartment property, use its land-use category and approved plan. Nearby residential use does not extend the state-law route to that property.
The owner, tenant and their agents share responsibility for maintaining landscaping, including replacing dead and damaged plant material. (Section 12-1047)
An owner or applicant seeking to modify an approved general site development plan must submit a new application and general site plan under the applicable Code provisions. (Section 12-377(g)(5)d) Ask the City whether the proposed removal changes a required landscape plan.
What triggers the development track?
Development includes building alterations, demolition, construction-related clearing, fill and tree removal requiring LDC authorization. (Section 12-40 (Development))
If you are adding a pool, building an addition, demolishing a structure or redeveloping a parcel, ask the City to coordinate the tree decision with the applicable site and building approvals. For protected-tree removal on land zoned or intended for multifamily, commercial, office, institutional or research corporate park development, a bona fide development plan and City permit are required. (Section 12-768(b))
Plans, surveys and sequencing
Every site-plan or plat application needs a tree survey showing accountable and protected trees at least five inches at breast height, species, proposed structures and impervious areas, retained and removed trees including dead trees, retained-canopy percentage, counts, relocations and potentially damaging grade changes with protection details. (Section 12-412(b)(1)) The Community Development Director or designee field-checks that survey information and records approval or disapproval, with suggestions, on the permit application. (Section 12-412(b)(1), review)
A tree plot plan supports every new-construction building-permit application and must show protected and invasive trees by location, type and DBH, proposed footprints and impervious surfaces, and protected trees retained or removed, including dead trees. (Section 12-768(b)(7))
Subject to the City's determination of applicable submission items, general site plans call for evidence of ownership and agents' authority to act, including corporate documentation where applicable. (Section 12-377(e)(6)a) Where required for a general site plan, the property survey must be signed and sealed by a surveyor. (Section 12-377(e)(6)f)
Except for single- and two-family uses, a scaled landscape plan must be approved by Community Development before any development permit; it identifies existing and proposed landscape material by size, location, genus, species and common name. (Section 12-1045) Installing landscaping also requires authorization under Division 17. (Section 12-414)
Landscaping must match the finally approved plan before a certificate of occupancy issues. (Section 12-1046) The current tree application was unavailable, so no additional upload list or professional signing credential is asserted from an unread form.
How much canopy must a development retain?
Canopy coverage adds grand- and protected-tree canopy areas to the drip-line. (Section 12-762 (Canopy coverage))
Land category | Starting canopy definition |
|---|---|
Wooded land | Wooded land starts at 35 percent canopy coverage, excluding wetlands. (Section 12-762 (Wooded land)) |
Semi-wooded land | Semi-wooded land starts at 20 percent but remains below 35 percent canopy coverage, excluding wetlands. (Section 12-762 (Semi-wooded land)) |
Non-wooded land | Non-wooded land has less than 20 percent canopy coverage, excluding wetlands. (Section 12-762 (Non-wooded land)) |
Land category | Retention and canopy-credit provision |
|---|---|
Wooded | On wooded land, 50 percent of protected trees may be removed if at least 25 percent protected canopy remains. (Section 12-768(b)(1)a) |
Wooded | On wooded land below 25 percent but above 17 percent protected canopy after the specified removal, ten-year new-canopy credit is 50 percent. (Section 12-768(b)(1)a.1) |
Wooded | For that wooded-land canopy deficit, the Code limits required replacement to five percent lost canopy. (Section 12-768(b)(1)a.2) |
Wooded | On wooded land still above 25 percent canopy after removing half the protected trees, additional removal cannot bring canopy below 25 percent and invokes Table 2 and the excess-removal requirements. (Section 12-768(b)(1)b) |
Wooded | Wooded-land removal resulting in less than 17 percent protected canopy is prohibited. (Section 12-768(b)(1)c) |
Semi-wooded | On semi-wooded land, half the protected trees may be removed if at least 25 percent protected canopy remains. (Section 12-768(b)(2)a) |
Semi-wooded | A semi-wooded deficit below 25 percent uses full credit for new trees' canopy at ten-year maturity. (Section 12-768(b)(2)b) |
Semi-wooded | Semi-wooded removal resulting in less than ten percent protected canopy is prohibited. (Section 12-768(b)(2)c) |
Non-wooded | On non-wooded land, 30 percent protected-tree removal is allowed with a 25 percent canopy goal and full ten-year new-canopy credit to make up a deficit. (Section 12-768(b)(3)a) |
Non-wooded | Additional canopy required under the non-wooded rule is capped at ten percent new canopy. (Section 12-768(b)(3)b) |
Identified forested native plant communities may be counted in classifying the land; the category is not just a casual estimate of tree cover. The wooded-land text is internally awkward at exactly 17 percent and in its parenthetical for half credit; the City must resolve those points, not the article.
Subdivisions, phases and relocation
Single-family subdivision infrastructure may remove no more than 30 percent of protected trees measured at least five inches DBH. (Section 12-768(b)(4)) Phased development is evaluated over the whole development parcel, while permits issue only for phases under construction. (Section 12-768(b)(5))
Qualifying relocation on the same parcel, contiguous public right-of-way or approved public land is not counted as removal, but later removal from the developed parcel invokes replacement or contribution. (Section 12-768(b)(6))
How are trees protected during construction?
Before construction, the developer must erect an approved protective barrier around every tree to be preserved. (Section 12-769(a)) The critical root zone extends one foot from the trunk in every direction for each inch of DBH. (Section 12-762 (Critical root zone))
The barrier must prevent disturbance closer than one-third into the critical root zone; construction materials and temporary solid deposits cannot be placed between barrier and tree. (Section 12-769(b))
Except with specific Director approval, no clearing or construction may occur within ten feet of a retained tree or a retained cluster's tree, or within 25 feet of a grand tree. (Section 12-769(c)) Wires, signs, permits and other attachments cannot be fastened to retained or relocated trees during clearing or construction, except protective guy wires. (Section 12-769(d))
A required-size-and-type tree must replace a tree dying within one year after the applicable infrastructure completion, with planting within 30 days unless the City grants an extension; another on-site location needs prior approval. (Section 12-769(e))
How do development replacement and the tree fund work?
For wooded-land excess removal, Table 2 replacement is on the same parcel or, with City approval, contiguous public right-of-way; on-parcel replacements must be maintained in perpetuity. (Section 12-768(b)(1)d.1) For every five required replacement trees there must be at least one species, reaching a minimum of eight species when 40 or more trees are required, with even distribution sought through City review. (Section 12-768(b)(1)d.1, diversity)
The contribution alternative uses Table 2 and the then-current wholesale cost of a three-inch DBH live oak plus transportation and planting, determined by the City Manager or designee; payment and proof are due at permitting and before removal, subject to the on-site limitation. (Section 12-768(b)(1)d.2)
A contribution cannot replace a protected tree unless the maximum possible protected trees, grand trees or tree equivalents have been incorporated into the site. (Section 12-768(b)(1)d.2, limitation)
The fund may support public-land planting and, after City Arborist determination and Council resolution, removal of sick, dying, infested, dangerous or dead public trees, with a replacement for each removed tree. (Section 12-768(b)(1)d.2, fund uses)
Final approval of development involving removal depends on satisfactory relocation, replacement or contribution. (Section 12-770(a)) Before land development, clearing or removal begins, developer/builders must provide an irrevocable letter of credit for all trees to be relocated, replaced or contributed, based on Table 2 replacement numbers and current wholesale tree costs determined by the City Manager. (Section 12-770(b))
Which landscape tree and buffer standards also apply?
Division 17 sets minimum landscaping and buffering standards for construction except single- and two-family residential uses on individually platted lots. (Section 12-1042)
Division 17 landscape trees generally need a mature crown greater than 15 feet and maintainable clear wood above five feet; smaller-crown trees can be grouped to create equivalent mature spread, while planting size is at least five feet tall and four inches trunk diameter measured four feet above ground, excluding species whose roots are known to damage public works. (Section 12-1043(c))
Section 12-40 makes a greater restriction controlling over the Code's general provisions. (Section 12-40 (Interpretation)) Ask how that rule applies to the different planting measurements rather than silently equating four inches measured at four feet with three inches DBH.
Tree-related setting | Requirement and qualifications |
|---|---|
Interior parking and vehicular use | Each development site needs the equivalent of one tree per 2,500 square feet of parking or vehicular-use area, each planted in at least 25 square feet. (Section 12-1048(c)) |
Landscape buffers | Landscape buffers carry one tree per 40 linear feet, planted inside the hedge on interior lines and facing outward on public-right-of-way sides. (Section 12-40 (Landscape buffer, trees)) |
Solid-buffer walls | Solid buffers carry a tree per 40 linear feet or fraction, outside walls along rights-of-way and inside along interior lines; alternatively trees can be clustered in landscape areas at least 100 square feet and no more than 150 feet apart. (Section 12-40 (Solid buffer, trees)) |
Wood-fence buffers | Wood-fence buffers require one tree per 40 feet or fraction, outside fences along rights-of-way and inside on interior lines, or clusters in landscape areas at least 100 square feet and no more than 150 feet apart. (Section 12-40 (Wood fence buffer)(9)) |
Retention/detention fencing or walls | Required retention or detention fence/wall landscaping includes one tree per 40 linear feet or fraction, on either side along all sides. (Section 12-1053(b), trees) |
Existing healthy material | The City Manager or designee may credit existing healthy plant material when consistent with Division 17's intent. (Section 12-1056) |
Water-efficient design, perimeter/building buffers, vehicular screening, utilities and sight-distance details are routed to Section 12-1044, Section 12-1049, Section 12-1050, Section 12-1051, Section 12-1052, Section 12-1054, Section 12-1055; the tree-bearing buffer requirements remain in this guide. District-specific requirements can add trees, so the parcel's zoning must also be checked.
District-specific tree requirements
District and setting | Additional tree provision |
|---|---|
C-G automobile sales, service and leasing | For C-G automobile sales, service and leasing, the right-of-way landscape strip includes one tree per 40 linear feet. (Section 12-234(d)(1)d) |
Light Industrial outdoor storage/display | Subject to DRC-considered alternatives, LI outdoor-storage or display screening requires trees outside the fence or wall along rights-of-way at one per 33 feet or fraction. (Section 12-237(d)(6)b) |
Downtown overlay | The Downtown overlay requires one large palm per 20 linear feet of public-road frontage, with its landscape plan and related understory requirements. (Section 12-305(a)(5)) |
For LI redevelopment with existing ISR above 0.75 or minimal tree coverage, relocated or damaged trees that die within two years after construction must be replaced. (Section 12-237(d)(11)d) Check the district-specific period when reviewing the project's maintenance obligations.
Do clearing and utility work require separate approvals?
Clearing, grading and filling authorization follows an approved site plan, plat or subdivision infrastructure plan; tree removal remains separately authorized. (Section 12-412(c)) A clearing permit does not itself authorize tree removal: removal needs a separate permit and letter of understanding, and retained trees must be protected. (Section 12-412(c)(1)d)
Conservation-area protection plans need City Engineer approval before clearing and tree-removal operations. (Section 12-412(a)(1)e) Removal or destruction of trees, shrubs or other vegetation is prohibited within the conservation areas governed by that permit. (Section 12-412(a)(2)c)
Section 12-412(c)(1)e governs site-clearing work hours. (Section 12-412(c)(1)e) Section 12-412(c)(1)f governs clearing-permit duration. (Section 12-412(c)(1)f)
Violating site-clearing permit conditions can trigger compliance measures and LDC enforcement. (Section 12-412(c)(2))
For its email-permit route, the City's policy requires contractor registration, active status, a Contractor Email Authorization on file and an applicant listed as an Authorized Agent. (City email-permit policy) Those are submission-channel requirements, not a finding that an unread tree form imposes a particular professional credential.
The City's contractor guidance advises checking liability, property-damage and workers' compensation coverage. (City contractor guidance) For a bid, ask the office which registration and work classification apply to the actual scope.
If the project includes building or system work, the building official can stop that work for construction-code violations, lack of a permit or violation of a City ordinance. (Section 8-27(c)) A tree permit should not be treated as authorization to continue separately stopped construction.
How can a tree decision be appealed?
A person adversely affected by a City Manager decision interpreting or enforcing Division 8 may appeal to City Council by written notice filed with the City Clerk, without a public hearing. (Section 12-766)
A different route, a Board of Adjustment appeal from the Director or zoning official, has a ten-day filing deadline after notice of the decision. (Section 12-72(d)(7)a) The enumerated variance powers expressly include Division 17 landscaping and buffers. (Section 12-158(a)(5))
Section 12-157 supplies general variance routing. (Section 12-157) Section 12-287 addresses DRC appeals. (Section 12-287) Section 12-379(h)(2) addresses final-site-plan administrative review. (Section 12-379(h)(2))
Ask the Clerk which route applies rather than importing the BOA deadline into the tree-specific appeal.
How do you apply, and what does the permit cost?
A current tree-permit fee could not be verified: the City says its previously published fees are no longer accurate and directs specific-fee questions to 813-506-6460. (City fee notice) Do not assume a homeowner, nonresidential or development permit has no charge.
Confirm jurisdiction, tree category and prior approvals.
Contact the City Arborist's office at 813-506-6482 about the City's inspection and approval process. (City tree guidance)
Obtain the current Tree Removal / Trimming Permit Application from Permitting; the linked form was unavailable October 28, 2026.
For development, assemble applicable tree surveys, plot plans and site/landscape documents; confirm uploads, signatures and credentials with the office.
Follow current office instructions, pay confirmed government fees and wait for approval.
The Permitting Office's standing walk-in and call-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (City permitting guidance)
The Permit Coordinator's office number is 813-506-6470. (City permitting guidance) The published City Hall address is 11250 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, FL 33617. (City permitting guidance)
The permitting page links the departmental email [email protected]. (City permitting guidance) The linked email-policy document instead instructs applicants to use [email protected]. (City email-permit policy)
Confirm the address with the office before sending documents because these two City sources disagree. Ask the office for current submission instructions.
City tree guidance gives tree permits six months of validity. (City tree guidance) It also says the contractor or homeowner arranges debris pickup. (City tree guidance) Its debris instruction calls for removal within three business days. (City tree guidance)
Where do the City's guidance and code disagree?
These are contradictions in published City materials, not alternative rules the reader may choose between. The Code supplies the legal text; the City must clarify its application and the guide does not silently repair either the code or guidance.
The older City guidance uses a residential threshold of more than ten inches and a nonresidential threshold of more than five inches. (City tree guidance)
Another City instruction says permits are required for all trees at least 12 inches DBH. (City tree guidance)
City guidance measures protected palm clear trunk to the third palm leaf attachment and calls Queen Palm invasive. (City tree guidance)
The older guidance specifies a five-inch beneficial-use replacement shade tree. (City tree guidance)
The older guidance references National Arborist Association pruning standards from 1979. (City tree guidance)
The older guidance says nuisance-tree removal is encouraged. (City tree guidance)
Is the property inside Temple Terrace or in unincorporated Hillsborough County?
Hillsborough County describes its Map Viewer as a way to find parcels and determine applicable government regulations and services. (Hillsborough County Map Viewer) Confirm jurisdiction with the City before relying on a rule rather than treating a mailing address as the decision.
This guide explains Temple Terrace's City Code, not the Hillsborough County Land Development Code. It makes no county tree-size or permit-exemption comparison.
What about right-of-way and utility trees?
Development tree-removal authorization can include trees in public rights-of-way abutting the developed parcel. (Section 12-412(b)) Right-of-way construction, repair, alteration, paving or grading, and placing structures or obstructions in a public right-of-way or easement, need City Engineer permission under Section 22-351. (Section 22-351)
That permit requires prompt restoration of disturbed rights-of-way and makes the permittee assume liability for injury or damage arising from the work. (Section 22-351 (restoration)) Ask the City who controls the public tree or utility project.
What was not established from the Code and published records?
Code text versus verified absence
The complete supplied code export was searched on October 28, 2026 for 163.045; no reference was found. That does not make the statute inapplicable.
The Code publishes no tree-removal or tree-permit fee amount. (Section 12-11) The City's current fee confirmation remains necessary; silence on an amount is not a waiver.
The Code sets no tree-contractor license, registration or insurance requirement specific to tree work. (Temple Terrace Code) This is not an exemption from general business, hauling or right-of-way obligations.
Published-material gaps checked October 28, 2026
The post-codification records search did not yield a complete uninterrupted set of Council records back to February 4, 2025, or proof of a completed Division 8 biennial review. No comprehensive current-law certification or conclusion that the Council failed to review the ordinance is made.
Sources and scope
The documentary baseline is the Temple Terrace Code of Ordinances, Supplement 19, codified through Ordinance No. 1579, enacted February 4, 2025. Administrative guidance is distinguished from law.
The August 4, 2026 packet's Ordinance 1597 changes supplemental citation procedures and listed violation classes, not the tree-removal standards. (August 4 Council packet)
The November 2, 2026 packet includes a development applicant's intended request to waive Section 12-768 at final site plan, not a citywide amendment already in force. (November 2 Council packet)
As checked October 28, 2026, the City schedules presentation of its Citywide Tree Study and Urban Forest Management Plan to Council for November 17, 2026, not an adopted amendment. (City tree guidance) No change to the tree rules is predicted.
Section 12-765 requires Council review of Division 8 at least once every two years. (Section 12-765)
Where does this leave your tree or project?
A tree may be a candidate for removal or pruning, but the City office that decides must address species, measurements, property type, prior approvals and any unresolved code conflict. This guide is a regional reference resource, not an offer to perform work or an assessment in Temple Terrace.
Ken's Tree Service has worked since 1996 from Tarpon Springs, across approximately 20 miles covering north Pinellas County, west Pasco County and the northwest corner of Hillsborough County. For projects within our service area, our number is 727-934-5804; for questions about the code explained here, talk with our website agent, the chat on this page.