On Real Estate & More – April 2019

Trees play an especially important role in enhancing our quality of life. They provide screening from structures, privacy, are an effective sound barrier and can limit noise pollution. Trees improve air quality by acting as natural air filters removing dust, smoke and fumes from the atmosphere by trapping them on their leaves, branches and trunks. Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. They are also an integral part of the ecosystem providing benefits to wildlife.

Jacksonville is blessed with a high percentage of tree cover. According to the City of Jacksonville, approximately 64% tree canopy exists within the City limits, compared to the 30% national average, in part because of the historic, rural character of the town. Jacksonville has a Community Forestry Plan which includes a recommended street tree list and describes methods for protecting large trees and tree grouping, and for placement of new trees.

Resource trees are granted protection in the City of Jacksonville. A tree is considered a resource tree if the diameter exceeds 12 inches at four feet above the ground (DBH: diameter at breast height). Unless a tree is in immediate danger of collapse (as documented by a certified arborist), live resource trees shall only be removed after a Tree Removal Permit has been approved and the arborist report finds:

  1. It is necessary to protect the public health and safety, or
  2. It is necessary to protect a historic or primary residential structure in the City, or
  3. Will not be materially detrimental to a significant historic site or structure in the City, and

Is necessary to protect a significant historic site or structure in the City; or

Is necessary for solar utilization; or

There is no reasonable alternative design for a proposed development that would eliminate the need to remove a tree.

  1. Trees with a transferable blight, infestation, or disease shall be removed.

When a Tree Removal Permit is approved, the tree must be replaced with another tree at a 1 to 1 replacement ratio. If replacement onsite is not feasible, the trees may be planted in the vicinity.

Other items to note:

The City encourages property owners to submit photos verifying the DBH for anything less than 12 inches so if a complaint is made, they can confirm that the tree was exempt.

Depending on the location of the tree, notice of neighboring properties may be required.

A Tree Removal Permit is required for topping of trees.

Some types of trees are not considered resource trees and are exempt from the permit process under certain circumstances.

There are different requirements for projects which create or alter a street or are proposed on parcels greater than one acre in size.

Due to these variable factors, anyone considering modifying or removing a tree should first consult with Planning Department staff to determine if a Tree Removal Permit is required.