Obtaining a Permit, the Right Way

• 1
  Small palms like this probably don't require a permit to remove.Palm Tree image by Olivo from Fotolia.com
  
  Determine whether you need a permit. Typically, you will not need a permit if the palm tree is dead
  
  or if the palm tree has a very small diameter at breast height, or DBH. DBH is measured at approximately 4.5 feet above ground. To determine the diameter of the tree, measure around the circumference of the tree at this height and divide by 3.14. The DBH requirement for permits varies by municipality, and may be as little as 3 inches DBH.
  
  It may also vary depending on the tree's location. Trees totally within the property lines of a developed single-family residence are given greater leniency for removal. Therefore, a palm tree you wish to remove in that case can be much larger. Note that this does not include the area between the sidewalk and curb, which is considered public right-of-way. Given that even tall palm trees tend to have relatively small trunks, you may not need a permit at all.
  
  
• 2). Contact the city or county government with jurisdiction over where you live. Explain that you would like to request information and an application for removal of a tree. Make it clear that you would like to remove a palm and specify the type of palm. It is possible that palm trees do not require a tree removal permit in your municipality. For example, in St. Petersburg, Florida, only large cabbage and royal palms require a tree removal permit. You should anticipate paying a modest application fee. You may be expected to provide an aerial sketch of your property as part of this application. The sketch should show the palm tree you wish to remove in relation to your house, any other structures on your property, such as a detached garage, and property lines. Try to keep the elements of the drawing in scale with one another. If you know how, use a scale ruler for accuracy.
  
  
• 3). Complete the tree removal application and return it to the proper local authority. Following your application submittal, you should expect an on-site inspection of the palm tree you wish to remove from someone at the agency. At that time, it will be determined whether your request for a permit is approved.