Sarasota Tree Permit Application Form – Fill Out and Use This PDF

A. CRITERIA FOR GRANTING TREE PERMIT

(1)The trees pose a safety hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic or unmanageably threaten to cause disruption to utility services;

(2)The trees pose a safety hazard to people, buildings, structures, vehicles or other improvements;

(3)The trees completely prevent access to a lot;

(4)The trees unreasonably prevent development of a lot or the physical use thereof;

(5)State or local regulations require fill to the extent that trees cannot be saved and the required elevations are cer- tified by the project engineer;

(6)The trees are diseased or are weakened by age, storm, fire, or other injury as a result of suppression by other trees or vines or site conditions, to the extent that they have lost most of their function and value, or pose a dan- ger to persons, property, utilities, sidewalks, streets, sewers, other facilities, improvements or other trees, if so determined by the Administrator, or by the Board on appeal, respectively. It is the intent of this provision that no permit shall be granted for the removal of any tree if the hazard can be abated by any other reasonable means.

B. ITEMS TO INCLUDE WITH THE SITE PLAN AND TREE SURVEY

(1)All proposed and existing improvements including: buildings, grade changes, driveways, roads, utilities, pool, septic/drainfield, lakes, ponds or other features. Lot dimensions, scale and north arrow.

(2)The tree survey shall include: All trees to removed, pruned, transplanted and protected within 50 feet of any proposed activity; tree DBH (trunk diameter at breast height which is measured at 4.5 feet above the ground); and the common name of the trees. Grand Trees shall be identified by DBH, height, the size of the dripline (in feet) and the proposed location of tree protection barricades.

(3)The proposed tree replacement or planting program if applicable. All parcels shall have one tree per two thousand square feet of property even if no trees are present at the time the tree permit is applied for. All trees retained on site excluding exotic species shall count towards this requirement.

A recent, legible, aerial photograph, containing the information in (1) and (2) above and that reflects existing site conditions, may be acceptable, but only with prior approval by Natural Resources.

NOTE: If the proposed tree removal is on a non-residential lot which is already developed, then a site plan may not be required. The trees proposed for removal must be clearly marked in the field.

FINAL INSPECTIONS

All permits require final inspection by Natural Resources staff to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Code. Final inspections shall be scheduled by the applicant after the final grade/pruning is completed and any required trees are planted. Final inspections will be completed within three working days after notification by the applicant.

AMENDMENTS / TREE MORTALITY

If additional trees need to be removed after a Tree Permit has been issued, the applicant must obtain an amended permit prior to the removal of any additional trees. If a tree dies, the applicant shall notify Natural Resources. Staff will make an inspection within two days of notification. The applicant shall not remove the dead tree prior to the inspection. Failure to comply with these provisions constitutes a violation of the Code.

I hereby certify that this application, together with plans submitted herewith, is a true representation of all facts concerning the proposed removal, pruning, protection, and/or planting of trees. It is understood that any deviation from the permit once issued will render the permit null and void and shall be considered as a violation of Sarasota County Code, Chapter 54, Article XVIII.

This signed application shall constitute authorization for County staff to enter the lot to conduct inspections to determine if the applicant is in compliance with the provisions of this Code and any permit issued.

This application is made with my approval as owner or authorized agent for the owner as is evidenced by my signature below. I ASSUME LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY AND ALL VIOLATIONS ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED ABOVE PERTAINING TO SARASOTA COUNTY CODE, CHAPTER 54, ARTICLE XVIII, FOR THE DURATION OF THE PERMIT.

I certify that I am the [ ] OWNER, [ ] AUTHORIZED AGENT, [ ] CONTRACTOR and that I agree to comply with Sarasota County Code, Chapter 54, Article XVIII.

SIGNATURE ___________________________ DATE __________ PRINT NAME ___________________________

For additional information contact Natural Resources-Conservation & Environmental Permitting

North County - 1001 Sarasota Center Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240 Phone: 941.861.5000

South County - 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293 Phone: 941.861.5000

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