Treasure Island Tree Removal Permits and Tree Ordinance Guide
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Next review due April 12, 2027. By Forest, Property Intelligence Specialist, Ken's Tree Service.
Treasure Island calls its authorization a tree removal permit: native or otherwise protected trees four inches DBH or larger require prior city authorization, subject to the code exemptions, special-designation rules and qualifying state-law route. (Section 72-112(2)) Start with our city-or-county tree permit guide, confirm the address, identify the tree and establish the applicable city or state-law route.
Does Treasure Island favor keeping existing trees?
Yes: in the city authorization process, the developer must take reasonable design and siting measures to minimize native or protected tree removal and particularly attempt to preserve specimen and historic trees. (Section 72-111(1))
The owner must prove a permissible use cannot reasonably proceed without removal/relocation, material impairment of structural safety/utility/integrity, material utility interference, substantial traffic hazard, disease/weakness likely to injure or damage, a legal removal duty, or FISC invasive-exotic listing. (Section 72-112(1)) “Exemptions” is the heading, not blanket removal permission.
Which trees and palms are protected?
Subject to the exemptions and qualifying state-law route, the operative removal threshold is four inches DBH or larger for native or otherwise protected trees. (Section 72-112(2)) Protected-tree means over four inches DBH, excluding invasive, exotic or nuisance species identified by the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC). (Section 72-2 (protected tree))
Exactly four inches falls within the authorization sentence but outside the protected definition; ask the city to classify it. A three-inch native tree is below the general trigger; a five-inch one meets it, subject to exemptions, designation and state law. (Operative threshold and definition, packet pages 331 and 351)
A tree is self-supporting and woody, with well-defined trunks and a maintainable clear trunk, normally reaching at least 15 feet at maturity locally; palms generally count, not only cabbage palms. (Section 72-2 (tree)) Palms are not shade/canopy trees; that category instead requires a maintainable six-foot clear trunk, at least a 15-foot spreading branching structure and reasonably dense seasonal shade. (Section 72-2 (shade/canopy tree))
All palm species meeting the tree definition and trigger are covered, subject to species exemptions and other applicable routes. (Palm scope, Sections 72-2 and 72-112(2)) The code also defines a grand tree as at least 28 inches DBH, excluding FISC invasive, exotic or nuisance species. (Section 72-2 (grand tree))
The current checklist requests an arborist report for “deceased,” dying or damaged trees not exempt under Section 163.045, not automatic dead-tree exemption. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist) Minimum property standards require premises to be kept clear of dead trees and shrubs; that maintenance duty does not itself expressly waive tree authorization. (Section 68-492(1)a)
City guidance exempts fallen-tree removal, not every standing dead tree. (City permit guidance)
How do you measure a tree?
Measure diameter at 54 inches, or 4.5 feet, above ground; the amended DBH definition no longer states the old sum-of-main-stems method. (Section 72-2 (DBH)) For a round trunk, circumference at that height divided by 3.14 gives approximate diameter: four inches is approximately 12.56 inches around, so the operative four-inch-or-larger boundary corresponds to approximately 12.56 inches or larger in circumference. (DBH and operative boundary, packet pages 330 and 351)
Nursery caliper is measured at 12 inches above ground, or six inches for smaller trees up to four inches in diameter; it is not the DBH measurement. (Section 72-2 (caliper))
Which exceptions change the answer?
City exemptions cover the incorporated nuisance-species list, necessary utility operations, limited surveyor swaths, eligible commercial growing and temporary disaster suspension, each within its stated scope. (Section 72-91)
Exception | Scope |
|---|---|
Utility operations | Specified utilities/agencies and their contracted engineers/surveyors are exempt for necessary construction/maintenance only, avoiding unnecessary removal and meeting National Electrical Code clearances; five days' written Building Department notice, except emergency service restoration. (Section 72-91(b)) |
Surveyors | A state licensed land surveyor performing duties is exempt only for an alteration swath three feet wide or less. (Section 72-91(c)) |
Commercial growers | Nurseries, botanical gardens, tree farms and grove operations are exempt only for trees planted for silvicultural or agricultural purposes or ordinary-course sale or intended sale. (Section 72-91(d)) |
Disaster suspension | During hurricane or other disaster emergencies, the city manager may temporarily suspend these tree-protection regulations. (Section 72-91(e)) |
Does pruning a private tree require a permit?
No general private-tree pruning permit or topping/canopy limit is published; damage amounting to removal remains regulated, with construction, mangrove, right-of-way and approved-plan qualifications. (Sections 72-2, 72-114 and 72-115) Removal includes digging up, cutting down, damaging, destroying or killing a tree. (Section 72-2 (removal))
During construction, no part of a protected tree may be altered without city-manager or designee approval, and approved protected-root-zone conditions must remain unchanged. (Section 72-114(b)(1)) When lowering grade, roots must be cut cleanly and re-trimmed after excavation. (Section 72-114(d)(2)a) The same grade-lowering provision calls for canopy pruning to aid tree vigor. (Section 72-114(d)(2)b)
A wireless provider may not prune, remove or irreversibly damage a protected tree unless authorized by a city permit. (Section 42-82(b)(7)c) Communications providers undertaking necessary trimming, pruning or removal to place or maintain facilities must obtain applicable city permits. (Section 42-71(c))
Which invasive or undesirable species are exempt?
The city incorporates County Table 138-3653.a for its protection exemption and planting prohibition, replacing the former nine-name list. (Section 72-91(a)) On development/redevelopment requiring landscape permits or plans, those prohibited species need no formal city removal authorization. (Section 72-40(c)(3))
County list tier | Common name | Published botanical name / exception |
|---|---|---|
Tier 1 | Australian pine | Casuarina equisetifolia (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Brazilian pepper | Schnius terebinthifolius (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Carrotwood | Cupaniopsis anacardioides (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Catclaw mimosa | Mimosa pigra (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Chinese privet | Ligustrum sinense (except cultivars ‘Variegatum’ and Sunshine’) (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Chinese Tallow | Triadica sebifera (Sapium sebiferum) (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Punk | Melaleuca quinquenervia (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 1 | Shoebutton ardisia | Ardisia elliptica (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Citrus | Citrus spp. (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Ear | Enterolobium cyclocarpum (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus spp. (except silver dollar variety) (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Ficus | Ficus spp. (except F. ci tri foli a, as printed by the County) (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Jacaranda | Jacaranda spp. (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Mimosa | Mimosa spp. (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Norfolk Island pine | Araucaria spp. (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Royal Poinciana | Delonix regia (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Silk Oak | Grevillia robusta (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 | Trumpet Tree | Tabebuia spp. (County Table 138-3653.a) |
Tier 2 also includes the latest FLEPPC Category I/II invasive exotics; federal/state guidance may change the lists. (County undesirable list) Botanical spellings reproduce the County table; obtain official species identification.
The County table's no-fee permit column is County procedure, not a universal Treasure Island requirement. (County table) Definitions use FISC exclusions, Section 72-91 the County list; ask the city about disputed identification. (Sections 72-2 and 72-91)
Who may apply?
Provide ownership evidence; corporate owners document the signer's ownership or authority. (City applications and forms) The tree checklist requests an owner-builder affidavit if the homeowner will act as contractor, when applicable. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
The Building Division says legal-entity owners cannot pull owner-builder permits; an association or company officer should not assume eligibility. (City Building Division)
Landscape approval requires the owner of record's signed application and Appendix A application fee before acceptance or review. (Section 72-34(1))
When does Florida Statute 163.045 apply?
Florida Statute 163.045 reaches a single-family detached building on a lot actively used for single-family residential purposes, with a conforming or legally recognized nonconforming use under local land-development regulations. (Florida Statute 163.045) Its documentation is an onsite assessment, signed by an ISA certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect, using Best Management Practices - Tree Risk Assessment, Second Edition (2017). (Florida Statute 163.045)
For qualifying single-family residential property and documentation meeting the statutory definitions, the owner must possess the signed onsite assessment establishing unacceptable risk, meaning removal is the only practical means of mitigating risk below moderate under the named standard; when those conditions are met, local government cannot require notice, application, approval, permit, fee or mitigation for pruning, trimming or removal. (Florida Statute 163.045) A local government cannot require replanting for work performed in accordance with the statute. (Florida Statute 163.045)
The statute does not displace specifically delegated mangrove-protection authority. (Florida Statute 163.045) The 2022 amendment took effect July 1, 2022; tree health alone is not the statutory test. (Chapter 2022-121)
A commercial property, multifamily building or HOA common area does not qualify merely because people live nearby; the statutory single-family property definition controls. This guide does not decide whether a particular property or tree qualifies. (Section 163.045)
Chapter 72 now expressly makes tree removal subject to the conditions of Florida Statute 163.045; its reference does not broaden the statute beyond qualifying residential property. (Section 72-43(a), state preemption)
What about mangroves?
Mangrove/wetland rules cover black, white and red mangroves and all owners, including single-family, duplex and multifamily. (Section 72-115(a)) Removal requires at least equal on-site mangrove numbers, vegetation for an equal/larger wetland area, and an approved survival/shoreline-stabilization plan as a permit condition. (Section 72-115(b))
The city text requires a DEP permit for alteration of mangroves or wetland vegetation in jurisdictional waters. (Section 72-115(c)(1)) It separately requires a Pinellas County Environmental Management Department permit for alterations that may be exempt from DEP requirements. (Section 72-115(c)(2)) The city still cites Florida Statutes 403.9321 through 403.9333 and County Chapter 166, Article II, Division 3. (Section 72-115(c)(3))
Today's County page identifies Chapter 58, Article XVI and says mangroves cannot be trimmed unless an exemption applies or a permit is obtained. (County mangrove guidance)
Pinellas County identifies the administering unit as the Division of Environmental Management, acting through state delegation. (County environmental management)
DEP lists Pinellas County as a delegated local government under Section 403.9324 and directs questions in delegated areas to that agency. (DEP delegated-program directory)
The delegation covers the entire county for trimming associated with activity that does not require a wetland-resource or environmental-resource permit under Part IV of Chapter 373; use the County mangrove unit at 727-453-3385 to establish the correct route inside Treasure Island. (DEP delegation agreement)
What are the penalties and hazardous-tree remedies?
Where no specific penalty applies, the general penalty is up to $500, up to 60 days' imprisonment or both, with continuing days separate offenses; its original effective date was not established in the reviewed records. (Section 1-15(a)) Violating conditions may be abated as public nuisances. (Section 1-15(b)) Land-development violations may additionally face a court injunction. (Section 1-15(c))
The separate code-enforcement route was amended by Ordinance 2026-13, adopted June 8, 2026 and effective upon adoption; its definition expressly includes unauthorized removal of protected or mature canopy trees as potential irreparable or irreversible violations, requiring competent substantial evidence and specific written findings. (Ordinance 2026-13)
Administrative route, Ordinance 2026-13 effective June 8, 2026 | Maximum or charge |
|---|---|
Failure to comply with a board or magistrate order | Up to $250 for each day past the ordered compliance date. (Ordinance 2026-13) |
Repeat violation | Up to $500 for each day the repeat violation exists. (Ordinance 2026-13) |
Irreparable or irreversible violation | Up to $5,000 per violation, not an automatic charge for every tree. (Ordinance 2026-13) |
Administrative costs | The amended text permits an estimated $350 per violation, or actual administrative costs and fees for more complex cases, in addition to applicable fines and corrective costs. (Ordinance 2026-13) |
A recorded administrative fine order becomes a lien against the violation property and other real or personal property owned by the violator. (Ordinance 2026-13)
An aggrieved party may appeal a final code-enforcement-board order to circuit court within 30 days of execution; review is on the record rather than a new hearing. (Ordinance 2026-13)
The amended enforcement text expressly calls destruction or damage of historic/protected trees an irreversible or irreparable violation under Chapter 2 and Florida Statute 162.09. (Section 72-164(a), protected-tree damage) That is not an automatic $5,000 charge per tree; the administrative route's evidence, findings and limits still matter. (Ordinance 2026-13)
Section 72-164, in the coastal-lighting article, also prints a civil-citation ceiling of $500. (Section 72-164 civil-citation ceiling) The same Section 72-164 wording prints a category V uncontested fine of $88; repeated paragraph lettering and chapter-wide wording should not be read as a single automatic tree-removal invoice. (Section 72-164 category V wording) These restated figures are in Ordinance 2026-18 effective October 6, 2026, separate from the Chapter 2 administrative fines. (Ordinance 2026-18)
Owners/occupants may not retain vegetation threatening public ways, another's property or life/limb, subject to statutory preemption conditions. (Section 72-43(a)) For the specified utility hazards, the city serves a removal notice with a deadline. (Section 72-43(b))
Notice may be personally delivered, delivered to a household member at least 18, posted near the entry or mailed by certified mail. (Section 72-43(c)) Failure to comply within the served deadline allows city abatement at the owner's expense. (Section 72-43(d))
Unpaid abatement costs become a property lien with interest 30 days after receipt of the city's statement. (Section 72-43(e)) The amended provision allows lien enforcement after 180 days; it no longer states the former priority over liens other than tax liens. (Section 72-43(f))
What replacement does removal require?
For Article III removals, subject to exemptions and qualifying state law, “the developer” pays replacement costs. (Section 72-113(a)(1)) Replacement is one inch DBH per inch removed, not one tree per tree. (Section 72-113(a)(2))
Option | Rule |
|---|---|
Relocation | A replacement may be a tree relocated on the site or off site under subsection (a)(4). (Section 72-113(a)(3)) |
Planting or payment | Plant on site if practicable; otherwise donate trees or pay the required size/number's purchase cost for public planting into the Green Utility Account. (Section 72-113(a)(4)) |
Cost evidence | The current checklist requests a nursery invoice/report with cost estimate for replacement trees or payment in lieu, when applicable. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist) |
Development/occupancy conditions govern timing; replacement has no separate payment deadline. (Sections 72-113(a) and 72-37)
The amended chapter no longer includes the former tree-bank definition or publishes a separate tree-bank credit table; the Green Utility account and purchase-cost mitigation are the sourced mechanisms here. (Current definitions and replacement)
How do historic and specimen trees differ?
The historic definition requires a certified professional forester, horticulturist, licensed arborist or landscape architect's finding of notable historic interest from age, type, size or association, plus Commission resolution. (Section 72-2 (historic tree)) The operative historic-designation provision instead speaks of location or historical association, and requires a Commission public hearing with notice to the owner. (Section 72-113(b)(1))
The specimen definition requires the same professional categories' judgment of high value from type, size, age or other professional criteria, plus Commission resolution. (Section 72-2 (specimen tree)) The operative specimen-designation provision uses type, size, age or other relevant criteria and a Commission public hearing with notice to the owner. (Section 72-113(b)(2))
Subject to applicable state-law limits, a designated historic or specimen tree requires a Commission finding of hazard or economic/practical inability to develop without removal, a city-manager or designee presentation and recommendation, and a decision within 30 days after filing. (Section 72-113(b)(3))
What changes for commercial, multifamily and HOA property?
Commercial, multifamily, HOA-common-area and institutional sites use Article III's general threshold and exemptions, subject to designations; residential occupancy alone does not satisfy Section 163.045's detached single-family scope. (Chapter 72, Article III; Florida Statute 163.045(1)(b)) The city's portal instructions classify condominiums as commercial, nonresidential. (City applications and forms)
Maintain approved required landscaping continuously, except building areas and single-family/duplex lots under 6,000 square feet. (Section 72-41(f)) Commercial and multifamily owners must replant poor-quality landscaping. (Section 72-41(f)(2)) The owner must inspect site-plan-required landscaping annually and replace noncompliant material. (Section 72-41(f)(3)) The city may inspect commercial and multifamily properties for original site-plan and related landscape compliance. (Section 72-41(f)(4))
Install landscaping in accordance with the approved plan and ANSI A300 Standards; maintain it in healthy, neat and orderly condition. (Section 72-41(a)) Owner, tenant and agent share maintenance responsibility, jointly and severally, including contiguous right-of-way parkways. (Section 72-41(d))
Changes or amendments to an approved site plan require resubmission to the original approving body, except the listed staff-approvable changes. (Section 61-82(s)) The staff-approvable exemptions include changes to landscaping, increased pervious area or decreased impervious area. (Section 61-82(s)(4)) Screening landscaping must be maintained; failure to replace dead or diseased material violates the screening rule. (Section 68-453(2))
When does construction trigger landscape and site-plan review?
Land improvements, alterations, expansions, special exceptions and intensified uses require site-plan review unless exempt. (Section 61-82(b)) Permitted single-family and duplex dwellings are exempt except sites abutting the Gulf or adjacent public beach. (Section 61-82(c)(1))
Changes in plant species or increases in landscaped/pervious area are listed site-plan exemptions. (Section 61-82(c)(2)) Pools and spas are also listed site-plan exemptions. (Section 61-82(c)(10)) If the overall project requires site-plan review, the otherwise exempt items are not removed from it. (Section 61-82(d)) Projects exempt from site-plan review still need applicable engineering review, permits and other code approvals. (Section 61-82(c)(15))
Section 72-31 excludes building areas and single-family/duplex lots under 6,000 square feet; qualifying expansions/modifications remain covered. (Section 72-31) Section 72-32 instead exempts those lots at 6,000 square feet or less: the exact 6,000-foot boundary differs. (Section 72-32)
Existing site not meeting Article II | Full-compliance trigger |
|---|---|
Parking | Construction or a change in use area requires additional parking spaces. (Section 72-32(a)(1)) |
Floor area | An existing structure's covered floor area increases by ten percent or more. (Section 72-32(a)(2)) |
Approved plan | An existing final site plan needs amendment. (Section 72-32(a)(3)) |
If compliance would prevent minimum required parking, adjust interior landscaping first, then perimeter requirements if still necessary. (Section 72-32(b)) Existing paved vehicular-use areas become subject to conformity when reconstruction or expansion requires Section 61-82 site-plan approval. (Section 72-33(b))
What plans, timing and credentials does development require?
Site-plan review requires a pre-application conference. (Section 61-82(g)) Submit the site-plan application before a building-permit application, with applicable Appendix A fees paid. (Section 61-82(e)) Landscape approval may be submitted before or concurrently with the building-permit application; submit its plan with site-plan review, or with the building permit if no site-plan review is required. (Section 72-35(a))
The boundary survey must carry the signature and seal of a land surveyor registered in Florida. (Section 61-82(f)(3)h) Plans identify existing trees' location, species, size, description and retention/removal, plus new planting, screening and sensitive-area protection. (Section 61-82(f)(4)o) Landscape plans are signed and sealed, at a scale no smaller than one inch equals 50 feet. (Section 72-34(2))
Before covered vehicular-use work, grounds permitting still requests 18 combined site/planting-plan copies, coordinated with new-structure site-plan submittal. (Section 72-38(1)) The plan shows owner, designer, existing trees and prescribed features at no smaller than 1 inch equals 30 feet. (Section 72-38(2))
Inspection and compliance certification precede occupancy; temporary occupancy requires the code's financial “guarantee” acceptable to the city manager. (Section 72-38(4)) An approved betterment or alternative landscape plan must be completed in full before an occupancy permit or land-use-compliance statement. (Section 72-37) After site-plan approval, before a permit, the applicant posts the code's “performance bond” at 110 percent for required improvements, including landscaping. (Section 61-82(r)(1))
The landscape provision gives five working days for completeness and then follows the site-plan review process. (Section 72-35(b)) Site-plan completeness uses Section 166.033 timing, not a five-day tree-approval promise. (Section 61-82(i)(1))
What tree and landscape standards apply to development?
Covered development must meet required planting, tree-count, buffer and protection standards, subject to the listed exclusions, credits and approved substitutions. (Sections 72-39 through 72-44)
Required planting / credit | Standard and qualifications |
|---|---|
Nursery quality | Required plantings use Florida Nursery Grade No. 1 or better under the most recent state Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants. (Section 72-40(a)(1)) |
Species selection | Material beyond the listed choices comes from Pinellas County's Approved Tree Species to Replant list; the city manager/designee may approve substitutions or additions. (Section 72-40(a)(2)) |
Native mix | At least 60 percent of all required plantings are native. (Section 72-40(a)(3)) |
Coastal planting | Adjacent to the Gulf or Boca Ciega Bay and/or within 100 feet of the Coastal Construction Control Line, all required plantings are Florida-Friendly salt-tolerant species. (Section 72-40(a)(4)) |
Market shortage | The city manager/designee may reduce required caliper to the largest available Grade No. 1 equivalent plant during a market shortage. (Section 72-40(a)(5)) |
Tree form | Locally suitable drought-tolerant trees: average crowns over 15 feet, maintainable five-foot clear trunks; at least 60 percent Florida-native or drought tolerant from the approved County list or city-approved. (Section 72-40(b)(1)a) |
Substitutions | City-manager/designee approval allows two-for-one native-palm/understory substitution for shade trees; site constraints allow two-for-one trees of at least four-inch DBH. (Section 72-40(b)(1)a, substitutions) |
Palm mix and planting size | Palms: maximum 25 percent, six-foot clear wood at planting. Trees: minimum two-inch and eight-foot overall height; the amended two-inch phrase omits its measurement designation. (Section 72-40(b)(1)a, size) |
Root clearances | Damaging-root species stay 12 feet from public works; shade trees within ten feet and palms within five feet of utilities/public works require root barriers. (Section 72-40(b)(1)a, roots) |
Existing native credit | Healthy existing native material on vehicular-use sites may earn landscape credit consistent with the article's intent; prohibited species cannot. (Section 72-44) |
Parking credit | Up to ten percent of required on-site parking may be reduced with official approval to improve landscaping visible from the right-of-way; residential parking is excluded. (Section 68-541(q)) |
Use the incorporated County approved replant list subject to city planting/substitution standards. (County approved replant list) The packet's planting paragraph points upsizing to Section 72-116, but that section now contains automatic waivers, not an upsizing table; replacement is in Section 72-113. (Sections 72-40, 72-113 and 72-116)
Landscape location | Tree, island and buffer requirement |
|---|---|
Street frontage | Covered site-plan/building-permit frontage, excluding dedicated alleys: three-foot strip, one shade tree per 35 feet or fraction, spacing 30 to 40 feet; understory substitutes 1.5 for one. (Section 72-39(a)(1)a) |
Accessway deduction | Necessary driveway/accessway widths may be deducted from frontage used to calculate tree counts. (Section 72-39(a)(1)d) |
Adjacent-property boundaries | One tree per 50 linear feet, spacing 45 to 55 feet, between lot line and vehicular area, subject to (b)(1)b exceptions. (Section 72-39(a)(2)a) |
Perimeter exceptions | Dedicated-alley boundaries are excepted; a qualifying existing barrier may count with hedge vehicle protection; nonresidential abutters require only tree/planting provisions, one tree per 50 feet or fraction at 45 to 55 feet spacing, except full front-setback perimeter requirements remain. (Section 72-39(b)(1)b) |
Interior area and credit | Interior landscaping: ten percent of pervious/impervious vehicular area; excess perimeter may count, plus qualifying structure-adjacent landscaping up to 25 percent of required interior area after review. (Section 72-39(b)(2)a) |
Terminal islands | Rows of ten or more spaces: islands at both ends, averaging at least five feet wide and full space length, with a tree/referenced grouping. (Section 72-39(b)(2)b1) |
Interior islands | One island per 18 spaces or major portion, intervals six to 18 spaces; average width at least five feet, space-length, tree/referenced grouping; opposing islands need not align. (Section 72-39(b)(2)b2) |
Interior tree minimum | Provide a tree per separate parking island, and not fewer than one per 200 square feet or fraction of required interior landscape area. (Section 72-39(b)(2)c1) |
Relocated interior area | Where strict application seriously limits function, move required interior landscaping near the paved perimeter, in addition to required perimeter landscaping. (Section 72-39(b)(2)c2) |
Opaque-enclosure tree count | Visible opaque fences, walls or dumpster enclosures may have one understory tree per 25 linear feet. (Section 72-39(b)(3)) |
For frontage barriers, perimeter vehicle-area barriers, opaque-enclosure landscaping and adjacent-use screening, consult Sections 72-39 and 68-453. (Landscape and screening provisions)
The island provisions reference Section 72-39(b)(1)a, a barrier paragraph without a tree-grouping formula; ask the city which grouping design it accepts. Non-tree maintenance, irrigation, visibility and drainage details remain in Sections 72-39 through 72-45 and 68-453. (Landscape and screening provisions)
How must trees be protected during construction?
Before construction on development sites or public/private rights-of-way, visibly barricade all protected trees according to the protected-root-zone standards and Figure 2-A. (Section 72-114(b)(1)) The protected root zone's minimum radius is one foot per inch of trunk diameter at 4.5 feet, covering soil needed for survival. (Section 72-2 (protected root zone))
Separate retained tree-protection-zone definition | Radius |
|---|---|
Drip line under six feet | Six feet. (Section 72-2 (tree protection zone)(1)) |
Drip line over six but under 20 feet | Full drip line. (Section 72-2 (tree protection zone)(2)) |
Drip line at least 20 feet | 20 feet. (Section 72-2 (tree protection zone)(3)) |
The drip-line definition omits exactly six feet. Grade/excavation rules still use that zone, while barricades use the DBH-based root zone; obtain the city's approved geometry. (Sections 72-2 and 72-114)
Do not fasten attachments, signs, permits or wires other than support wires to protected trees. (Section 72-114(b)(2))
Keep equipment, materials and debris out of the protective barrier. (Section 72-114(b)(3))
Inside the barrier, landscaping uses light machinery or manual labor; grubbing and similar activities are prohibited. (Section 72-114(b)(4))
Alternatively mark no-development areas outside tree protection zones with connected stakes at most 25 feet apart. (Section 72-114(b)(5))
Keep barriers and perimeter lines until construction ends, except landscaping within the protected area. (Section 72-114(b)(6))
Exclude construction chemicals, materials and tools from protected areas. (Section 72-114(c)(1))
Do not clean equipment within protected areas. (Section 72-114(c)(2))
Grade changes within the tree protection zone require the specified protective measures, not unapproved fill or excavation. (Section 72-114(d))
Raising grade requires the section's root-safe clearing, fertilization, drainage, aeration, wells, hazard barriers, stones, gravel and porous fill. Lowering grade requires maximum root preservation using terracing, porous dry retaining walls or both, in addition to the root and canopy measures stated in the pruning section. (Section 72-114(d)(1) and (2))
The city manager/designee may approve lesser measures for a minor grade change only if tree health is not endangered. (Section 72-114(d)(3)) Route utility lines around protected-tree protection zones. (Section 72-114(e)(1)) If reasonable avoidance is impossible, tunnel beneath the zone, offset from the trunk to protect main roots. (Section 72-114(e)(2)) Porous paving is permitted only without damage from grade change, compaction or other causes. (Section 72-114(f))
Can a small project receive an automatic waiver?
Division 3 may be waived after a notarized owner/agent no-tree statement and city verification visit. (Section 72-116(1)) The administration may waive Division 3 after a notarized owner/agent statement that the work involves less than ten percent of the total site and will not affect any trees covered by the article in any manner, plus a verification visit. (Section 72-116(2))
What about clearing, contractors, fees and appeals on development sites?
Seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line, the dune-preservation zone prohibits excavation, native-vegetation destruction and activities likely to harm or alter a primary dune. (Section 72-142(a)) Development likely to affect listed-species habitat requires on-site preservation or compliant off-site mitigation. (Section 72-143)
Clearing, grading, alteration and vegetation-cover changes can trigger Chapter 76 stormwater requirements, subject to Section 76-35's exceptions. (Section 76-34)
Tree surgeons and other contractors working on private property must remove the resulting trimmings, branches, yard waste and rubbish. (Section 38-12(b))
Even the listed detached-home, coastal-erosion-structure and demolition exceptions retain drainage-plan requirements signed and sealed by a Florida-registered professional engineer. (Section 76-35(16)c)
The grounds fee is set in Appendix A; beginning covered vehicular-use work without the necessary grounds permit quadruples that fee and does not eliminate penalties. (Section 72-38(3))
City instructions require contractors' insurance certificates under legislation effective June 24, 2024. (City applications and forms) The City of Treasure Island must be named as certificate holder. (City applications and forms) Ask to see the submitted certificate and applicable permits when screening a bid.
City guidance warns that unlicensed contracting and work without permits can lead to a stop-work order; use the permit counter to verify contractor credentials. (City permit guidance) The building official may revoke a permit for materially false/misleading submissions or work materially different from approved plans. (Section 61-82(o))
Administrative land-use appeals go in writing within 30 days after rendition, with supporting facts filed through the city manager for the Planning and Zoning Board. (Section 61-61(c)) The tree-specific appeal provision allows Board review after notice/hearing but says the appeal does not stay enforcement proceedings. (Section 72-111(f)) General administrative appeals stay work/proceedings absent imminent-peril certification, unlike the tree provision's no-enforcement-stay text. (Section 61-61(b))
A dissatisfied site-plan applicant has 30 days after Board action to appeal to the Commission. (Section 61-82(q)(1)) Final Board or Commission decisions may be appealed to circuit court within 30 days after rendition under the governing appellate rules. (Section 61-87)
A variance lasts one year unless extended or the specified permit/site-plan application or approval occurs. (Section 61-85(7)) Variances require a Development Review Committee meeting; written extension requests are due at least six weeks before expiry. (Section 61-85(9))
Variances follow Section 61-85's hearing/hardship criteria; landscaping administrative waivers follow Section 61-57's limits and findings, not blanket removal exemptions. (Chapter 61 procedures)
How do you apply, and what does the permit cost?
Apply through OPPS, email or in person. (City application process) Current FY26 and the FY27 schedule effective November 1, 2026 both list $53 initially per tree plus $50 per additional inspection alongside separate $0, $50 and $100 state-law-based lines; ask the counter which applies rather than combining them. (FY26 schedule; FY27 schedule, packet page 411) A qualifying Section 163.045 removal cannot be turned into a permit requirement by the schedule's zero-dollar entry. (Florida Statute 163.045(2))
Tree-fee line | Current FY26 | FY27, effective November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Per tree, initial inspection and additional inspection | $53 initially, including one inspection; $50 for each additional required inspection. (Posted FY26 schedule) | $53 initially, including one inspection; $50 for each additional required inspection. (FY27 Appendix A, Article I(1)d) |
Exempt under Section 163.045 | $0; not a requirement to apply when the statute prohibits one. (FY26 item ii) | |
Not exempt under Section 163.045 | $50. (FY26 item iii) | |
Nonexempt after-the-fact removal | $100. (FY26 item iv) |
The FY27 ordinance takes effect November 1, 2026; its Appendix A cover's October 1 wording does not replace that effective clause. (Ordinance 2026-27, Section 6) Both schedules retain the fee conflict; FY27 still cites old 72-111(b), now replacement Section 72-113(a). (FY27 Appendix A, packet page 411)
The posted FY26 schedule identifies Ordinance 2026-06, March 16, 2026 as its latest amendment, but the reviewed records did not establish the original effective date of the individual tree amounts. (FY26 schedule history) A recent amendment number is not proof that the amendment changed every fee.
Development review charge | Current FY26 published amount | FY27 from November 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
Site plan, single-family/duplex | $500 (FY26 schedule) | |
Site plan, multifamily/commercial/institutional | $1,000 (FY26 schedule) | $1,000. (FY27 Appendix A, Article I(7)d(iii)) |
Civil engineering review for either site-plan category | $200/hour (FY26 schedule) | $200/hour. (FY27 Appendix A, Article I(7)d(ii)) |
Minor modification to an approved site plan | One-half regular fee; civil review, if needed, $200/hour (FY26 schedule) | One-half regular fee; civil review, if needed, $200/hour. (FY27 Appendix A, Article I(7)d(v) and (vi)) |
These are not a complete building, grounds or engineering invoice; applicable project charges and replacement purchase costs are additional according to the relevant approval route. (Appendix A and Section 72-38)
Confirm jurisdiction and ask Community Development to identify the relevant tree, designation, state-law and project routes. (Tree removal checklist)
If using OPPS, create a user account first. (City applications and forms) Select the correct permit type and work class: staff cannot change these after submission, and an incorrect selection requires a new application. (City applications and forms)
Upload documents as PDFs. (City applications and forms) Provide ownership proof, using the property record cover sheet or a recorded deed for recent sales not yet reflected in the appraiser's records. (City applications and forms)
Build the application from the current Tree Removal Permit Checklist: (Current city checklist)
State the number and type of trees, DBH and proposed replacements. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Include the permit application. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Include ownership proof; fictitious-name owners need Sunbiz or equivalent out-of-state evidence. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Include the subcontractor verification form; subcontractors must sign on before their respective work starts. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Include a current property survey. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Provide two drawing sets on a survey copy or scaled site plan. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Show existing-tree locations and sizes, identifying trees to remove. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Show replacement-tree locations and sizes. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Include photos for trees damaging property. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
When applicable, supply a notarized recorded notice of commencement for projects valued above $5,000, before first inspection. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
When applicable, include the owner-builder affidavit if the homeowner will act as contractor. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
When applicable, include the owner-contractor contract. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
When applicable, include a nursery invoice/report with cost estimate for replacement or payment in lieu. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
When applicable, include an arborist report for deceased, dying or damaged trees not exempt under Section 163.045. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
Additional information may be required case by case. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist)
After completeness notification, pay applicable review fees. (City applications and forms) After approval, an email to the contractor and owners states the total fees due. (City applications and forms)
For work requiring a city permit, pay the applicable permit fee before issuance. (Section 72-111(c)) Post the permit placard and approved plans on site. (City applications and forms)
Community Development counter: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island; 727-547-4575 ext. 230. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist) Permit-office email is [email protected]; the published contact number is 727-547-4575 ext. 230. (City permit office)
The city's Online Permitting and Planning System is the online application destination; its account requirement does not eliminate the published email and in-person routes. (City application instructions)
Where do city guidance and the code differ?
Landscape approval no longer requests 18 copies; grounds still does, versus two drawing sets in the checklist and portal PDFs. Ask the counter which requirements apply. (Sections 72-34 and 72-38; Current checklist; Portal instructions)
Use the current checklist, not the older “Needed Items” PDF. Administrative procedure does not rewrite enacted obligations.
Is the address inside Treasure Island?
Pinellas County's address lookup identifies whether an address is in a municipality or unincorporated Pinellas County; a mailing-city name is not a substitute for that jurisdiction check. (Pinellas County address lookup) The former Section 72-5 county opt-out is not reproduced in the adopted Chapter 72; do not rely on its old wording to disregard the city-incorporated County species list or delegated mangrove authority. (Adopted Chapter 72)
For related reading after checking jurisdiction, see our unincorporated Pinellas guide, St. Pete Beach guide, St. Petersburg guide and Gulfport guide; they do not supply Treasure Island's rules.
What about right-of-way trees and utilities?
Deep or widespread-root plantings are prohibited over, upon or within ten feet of paved city rights-of-way/easements and within ten feet of city underground sewers. (Section 72-42(a)) Planting trees in the city right-of-way requires a Building Department permit. (Section 72-42(b)(1))
Trees must comply with the chapter or Commission resolution; other plantings may be authorized or restricted by resolution. (Section 72-42(b)(2))
Right-of-way palms may not exceed 15 feet at maturity. (Section 72-42(b)(3))
Other trees, except those specifically addressed by subsection (b)(2), require half-mature-canopy spacing from poles, neighboring trees and the curb. (Section 72-42(b)(4))
Trees may not obstruct motorists' views from driveways or at intersections. (Section 72-42(b)(5))
Adjacent residents must maintain right-of-way trees, including removal when required. (Section 72-42(b)(6))
The city is not responsible for damage from utility or street maintenance. (Section 72-42(b)(7))
No trees, bushes or hedges may be planted within five feet of overhead electrical lines. (Section 72-42(b)(8))
Coordinate provider permits with the utility exemption and notice conditions; the right-of-way palm rule is not a private-lot species exemption. (Sections 72-2, 72-42 and 72-91)
What does the reviewed Treasure Island code not say?
These are bounded findings from the Supplement 27 export searched together with the adopted replacement texts on October 12, 2026, not permission for work on a particular tree. The amended Chapter 72 now contains Section 163.045 in Section 72-43(a), so the former statute-absence finding no longer applies. (Adopted Chapter 72)
No definition of “native tree” was found. (Reviewed Chapter 72 and fee schedule)
No blanket standing-dead-tree exemption was found. (Reviewed Chapter 72 and fee schedule)
No general private-tree pruning permit or topping/canopy-percentage limit was found, apart from the specific regulated contexts described in the pruning section. (Reviewed Chapter 72 and fee schedule)
No fixed dollar-per-inch replacement rate or separate general nonresidential tree-removal fee was found. (Reviewed Chapter 72 and fee schedule)
Which records were searched but not found?
The current checklist does reference Section 163.045 in its arborist-report line; that line is not a separate statutory notice form. (Current Tree Removal Permit Checklist) The October 12 review of the city's applications/forms page, tree checklist, Supplement 27 export, amended texts and official commission archive did not locate a separate city Section 163.045 notice form or a published historic/specimen designation register; this does not establish that individual designation resolutions do not exist. (City forms; Commission archive)
Sources and scope
This guide states the reviewed law as of October 12, 2026: Municode Supplement 27, job 479624, as amended by Ordinances 2026-16, 2026-17 and 2026-18 effective October 6, plus the separately identified subsequent enforcement ordinance and fee records. (Municode; October 6 ordinance packet) The City's official meeting video shows each ordinance adopted as presented; amended quotations use the October 6 second-reading packet text, not yet reconciled against signed originals or posted minutes.
Ordinance 2026-27's FY27 fees are shown separately as effective November 1, 2026, alongside the current posted FY26 figures. (Ordinance effective clause, packet page 405)
Where does this leave your tree or project?
A tree may be a removal or pruning candidate; the city or delegated mangrove authority decides classification and authorization. Take specific plans, designation questions and fee conflicts to those offices; this guide does not decide individual approval or risk.
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. This Treasure Island guide is a regional reference, not an offer to perform work there; for projects within our service area, our number is 727-934-5804. For questions about the code explained here, continue with our website agent, the chat on this page.