Permitting FAQs
How long does it take for an Urban Forestry tree work permit issuance?
Urban Forestry must provide initial comments within 10 business days of application submission. Total time between application submission and permit issuance depends on when all required submitted information is provided and its contents meet permit application standards. Subsequent follow-ups and/or corrections may be required by the applicant.
Do all trees and palms require permits for removal?
Generally yes. An approved tree work permit is required for the relocation or removal of any trees or palm within the boundaries of the City of Miami Beach, with few exceptions.
The list of exceptions is found in the City of Miami Beach’s Tree Ordinance 2016-4055, Sec. 46-58. https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/environmental-sustainability/urban-forestry/tree-work-permit-information/
What are the most common required documents with a tree work permit application submission
The tree work permit applicant will most likely need to provide a tree survey, tree disposition, an arborist report recording the reasons for removal, and landscape plans if tree canopy mitigation is required.
Who must complete the Arborist Report?
The arborist report must be completed by a current, certified ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) or ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists) arborist.
What is a Tree Disposition?
A tree disposition is an inventory of all existing trees/palms shown in the tree survey and/or landscape plans.
The tree disposition shall contain the following basic information of the tree or palm: its common name, its scientific name, its height, its width, its trunk diameter at breast height in inches, a level 1 health assessment from a certified arborist, and whether the property plans to remove, relocate, or retain the individual tree or palm. The individual tree or palm shall be numbered and have its location within the property accurately depicted in the submitted tree survey or in a separate tree disposition plan sheet.
What is required if trees are to remain during construction?
Tree protection is required for all trees and palms to “remain” during construction.
City approved tree protection plan details must be included in either tree disposition or elsewhere in the complete landscape plan set.
Tree protection shall be drawn into the tree survey or tree disposition at plan scale to the extent required by City Code.
How can I apply for a permit?
The City of Miami Beach Urban Forestry Division has moved to a paperless application process.
Is a Tree Protection Letter required by code?
Tree protection is required by City Code in code section 46-62.
The Urban Forestry Division requires a Tree Protection Letter signed by the property owner for all non-tree construction work where construction related activities could impact trees, palms, and their root systemsFailure by a construction crew to protect trees and palms may be cause for a tree abuse violation and/or having declaration a previous healthy tree as now declared effectively destroyed.
What are the specifications for the approved tree protection detail?
The City of Miami Beach approved tree protection must be constructed to specifications outlined within the City’s code. This includes a 2x4 frame with x2 lateral cross member frame protecting the critical root zone or a chain-link fence frame construction.
Why can't I upload the requested documents to the portal?
Your plans/permit are currently in a Building Department review cycle. You will need to wait for all the divisions to review before you can submit the requested documents.
Urban Forestry tree work permits are always open and documents can be submitted at any time.
How much are the permit fees?
Can you review my permit before (set date)?
Permit submittals are reviewed in the order they were submitted to be equitable to all applicants; however, the Urban Forestry and Environmental Divisions try to complete the reviews as expeditiously as possible.
Do I have to raise my seawall even if I am just doing a minor repair on the seawall?
Yes, provided the existing seawall requires substantial repairs (i.e. any improvement and/or repairs to the existing seawall with a cost of $300 or more per linear foot).
Why do I need to submit an itemized cost of construction for my seawall repair?
To determine whether the seawall work meets complies with the elevation requirements in the Seawall Ordinance 2021-4393.
What are the "notes" in Environmental comments requesting the Sediment and Erosion affidavit and notes to be included with plans?
The "notes" are included in the affidavit form following the signature page. These notes can either be submitted as part of the affidavit form or added to the plans (usually civil sheets).
Why do I need to submit the Construction Site Sediment and Erosion Control Affidavit if I'm just doing a minor repair/job?
The Construction Site Sediment and Erosion Control Affidavit is required for all land-disturbing activity per the Water Quality Ordinance No. 2021-4435.
