Protecting & Planting Trees with New Ordinance

The current pilot program is limited to planting trees on public property. Orange County has also received $150,000 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. This funding will help identify low- to moderate-income neighborhoods with limited tree canopy and higher disaster-related risks, and evaluate how strategic tree planting can support resilience and recovery. As part of this effort, we will also develop plans for tree establishment (including watering) and long-term maintenance.

 As for water bills, while there is no program specifically tied to increased irrigation costs for trees and other landscaping, payment options are listed on the Orange County Utilities website www.ocfl.net/WaysToPay. Much like other utilities, there is an assistance fund available for those who qualify and may be facing temporary financial hardships.

Yes, the updated ordinance does apply to County facilities, however, the construction permit for this project at the water reclamation facility was approved prior to the effective date of the Orange County Tree Ordinance update. Unfortunately, sometimes trees do need to be removed to make way for infrastructure improvements and this facility’s expansion is not only required to meet regulatory requirements, but it has additional environmental impact benefits including increasing storage and pumping of reclaimed water for irrigation. The project also included construction of new stormwater ponds – one of which is located directly along the facility fence line. These ponds provide stormwater treatment for existing and future facilities. Trees will be installed near the newly constructed water storage tanks as the project nears completion, however, no additional trees are planned to be installed at the fence line, as the proximity to the newly installed stormwater pond limits options in this area.  

Thank you for your question. If you believe a property owner is cutting down trees or clearing property without authorization, please contact 407-836-5807 or at Arborist@ocfl.net.

Orange County will begin by planting trees at a few pilot locations this year. As the program grows, we would love to expand planting opportunities to include school properties as well. Please check back later for updates.

Hey Rey,

We are loving all the excitement surrounding this program and your willingness to get involved. At this time, we are still planning the rollout of our tree-planting campaign. We will have more details at a later date. Follow Orange County on your preferred social media channel or Engage Orange for updates.

 

Great question — congratulations on your new property and good job doing your due diligence ahead of time!

If you’re building a single-family or duplex (two-family) home in unincorporated Orange County, tree removal is allowed as part of your approved building permit. Once your building permit is issued, you are authorized to clear trees for the building pad, driveway, on-site disposal system, and up to 15 feet around the principal building pad.

The important part: you’ll need to wait until your building permit is officially approved before removing any trees. Cutting trees prior to permit issuance could be considered a violation.

Hey Debbie, thank you for your question.

For a matter like this, please utilize our 311 call center. 

311 routes the request to the nearest Public Works maintenance facility and someone will look at the trees in the Right of Way.  If the trees need to be trimmed, a Roads and Drainage crew will return to cut the trees.  Good luck, and don't hesitate to reach back out if you have any other questions :)

Thanks for using Engage Orange

-Dustin W.

Hey Pat, thanks for your question.

 Orange County does not offer any kind of service where we replace trees in communities that were previously removed. Depending on your location in the County, you or the Homeowner’s Association may be responsible for maintenance and planting of trees within the right-of-way. The good news is that we routinely have free tree giveaway events. You could receive a tree, apply for a right-of-way utilization permit, and plant the tree. Always be sure to check with your HOA for any specific rules regarding plantings.

Great question! Whether you need a permit to remove an Oak tree depends on your property type and situation. For single-family or duplex homes, a permit is required if your lot is over 2 acres with an occupied home, or if the property is vacant. Multi-family or non-residential properties need a permit for tree removal. Trees in wetlands, conservation areas, or public rights-of-way may need additional approvals. If you’re not sure, contact the Zoning Division Arbor Office at 407-836-5807 or Arborist@ocfl.net to confirm whether your specific property needs a permit.