Can I remove trees or vegetation in a residential neighborhood?

It depends on whether you live in a neighborhood with a development approval or not. Most formal developments and subdivisions in Town have a development approval which includes an approved Site Plan and Landscape Plan of record on file with the Town. Most of these neighborhoods have a Homeowners Association (HOA), which should be able to answer your question. However, when in doubt, please contact Natural Resources.

ANSWER (a): If you live in a neighborhood with a development approval and a HOA, and the trees or vegetation are located on your lot of residence, you do not need Town approval, only HOA approval. However, there is an exception to this: if the tree in question is a street tree (usually located within the green space between the sidewalk and edge of road) or is a tree or vegetation on a common area, then Town approval is required. In these cases, the HOA should apply to the Town for a Vegetation Removal Permit. 

ANSWER (b): If you do not live in a neighborhood with a development approval or a HOA - these are older neighborhoods (see list below), often referred to as "charter" neighborhoods - you do not need Town approval to remove trees or vegetation if they are located on a developed lot. These older neighborhoods are exempt, because at the time of development, there were no requirements for a minimum amount of preserved native vegetation or landscaping. If the lot in question is undeveloped, or is not zoned Residential, please contact Natural Resources.

The older neighborhoods are: Pine Gardens North, Pine Gardens South, East View Manor, Jupiter River Estates, Penn Park, Brentwood North, Brentwood South, Riverside Drive Park, Olympus, North Palm Beach Heights, and most streets north/south of Center Street.

Show All Answers

1. Can I remove trees or vegetation in a residential neighborhood?
2. Can I remove mangroves?
3. I want to trim mangroves on my property. Do I need to hire a Professional Mangrove Trimmer, or can I trim the mangroves?
4. I want to hire a tree/landscape company - Do you have anyone you can recommend?
5. I want to hire a tree/landscape business. Are they registered with the town?
6. Who do I contact if I have a question about trees or landscape in the medians or along the Right Of Way?
7. My neighbors tree branches, roots, shrubs, or yard clippings are coming into my yard - can the town do something about this?
8. If a tree/landscape is on my property line we don't know who owns it - can the town come and tell us?
9. There is a dead tree on my property – Will the town remove it? Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?
10. There is a dead tree in the Right of Way or alley way - who do I call about removal?
11. There is a dead tree in my neighbors' yard - I am afraid it will fall on my house, what can I do?
12. I want to remove a tree or modify landscaping on a residential or commercial property - do I need permission?
13. Do I need a "Clearing" or "Vegetation Removal" permit to clear or remove exotic and/or prohibited plant species from my property?
14. Someone is cutting a tree down or removing landscaping - who do I call to report it?
15. Who trims the seagrapes along the beach? Why do they seem overgrown?
16. What are the lighting regulations on the beach to protect the sea turtle nesting?
17. Do I need a permit to build a dock or boatlift on my property?
18. Can I build a seawall?
19. What are the current watering restrictions?