Tree permits around Sanford

Two sets of rules decide whether trees can come out around Sanford: Seminole County's arbor rules for unincorporated land, and Florida's risky-tree statute, which overrides local permits in one situation.

The county exemption

Seminole County's Land Development Code (Sec. 60.5) exempts developed single-family lots of 3 acres or less that already have a house, as long as no wetlands are affected. Bona fide agricultural property and exotic species listed as pest plants are exempt too.

When the county grants a permit

The county lists the typical grounds: the tree sits where a structure will go or in the right-of-way, it's diseased or injured or endangers people or structures, it interferes with utilities or sight clearance, or it has to come out for agriculture.

Florida's risky-tree law

Under Florida Statutes 163.045, if an ISA certified arborist or a Florida licensed landscape architect documents that a tree on a single-family home lot is an unacceptable risk, a city or county can't require a permit, fee, mitigation or replanting to remove it. Mangroves are excepted.

Inside the city

Sanford, Lake Mary and Oviedo issue their own permits, and Deltona is in Volusia County. Their tree ordinances weren't available to us in a citable form; call the city.