Do you need a tree removal permit in West Palm Beach, FL?

Yes. West Palm Beach requires a city permit before removing at least some private trees. West Palm Beach requires a tree alteration permit before trees or other vegetation are removed, relocated or replaced on property covered by its tree protection code (Sec. 94-448). Trees on medians, parkways, parks and other city property may only be removed by the city or with a city permit. Dead, severely diseased and invasive exotic trees do not need a permit. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Sec. 94-448 covers property with a city-designated historic or specimen tree, vacant and undeveloped property, property with permanent structures, and redeveloped property. The city commission designates historic trees and specimen trees (trees of high value because of type, size, age or other professional criteria). Native trees and palms in good condition must be kept on site or relocated; trees with a canopy of 20 feet or more must be mitigated by canopy area lost, and palms are replaced one for one, or a payment goes into the landscape trust account when replanting is not possible. The code section does not list a trunk-size threshold.

No one other than the city may remove a tree from a median, parkway, park or city-owned property without first getting a city permit, and trees on city property may not be removed without advance approval from the city manager or designee.

No permit is needed to remove trees that are dead, severely diseased, invasive exotic or destroyed by natural causes. For a tree a competent authority finds hazardous or dangerous, a permit may be issued after removal. After a hurricane, storm, flood, drought or freeze, the administrator may suspend the section's rules for 30 days.

The planning and zoning administrator issues tree alteration permit applications and may ask for a landscape plan or aerial photo.

The city may bring civil action, and the court or special magistrate may order a mix of tree replacement and fines.

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.