Single-family lots
West Melbourne's code is direct about home lots. Section 71-110(b) says no notice, application, permit, fee or mitigation is required to prune, trim or remove a tree on a lot actively used for single-family residential purposes (West Melbourne Code s. 71-110). Owner-builders putting up a single-family home or duplex on their own lot are exempt as well, under s. 71-108(d).
That doesn't cover everything with a West Melbourne address. A rental duplex, a commercial site or a vacant parcel isn't a lot actively used for single-family purposes, so the city's other tree rules can come into play.
When a permit applies
Under s. 71-107, removing a protected tree listed in the city's Manual of Acceptable Plantings requires a permit. If you manage a commercial property along New Haven Avenue or own a vacant parcel, check that manual before anything is cut, and ask the city which trees on your site are listed.
Invasives and the air potato problem
Listed invasives are exempt in West Melbourne, including Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, air potato and cogongrass. Air potato is the odd one on that list because it's a vine. UF/IFAS rates it Prohibited, it's on the FISC Category I list, and FDACS counts it as a noxious weed (UF/IFAS, air potato).
Brazilian pepper is the usual shrub-tree along back fences and drainage swales. Cutting it is half the job. UF/IFAS says large stands resprout vigorously, which is why herbicide or stump treatment usually follows (UF/IFAS, Brazilian peppertree).
Pines between the houses
Many West Melbourne neighborhoods still have a few slash pines standing between lots. Slash pine rated medium-low for wind resistance in the UF/IFAS hurricane study (FR173), so a tall one within reach of a roof is worth a look before August. When one comes down, the stump can stay, be cut flush or be ground out. The stump grinding page walks through the choices.
Local rules worth knowing
Under s. 71-110(b), no notice, application, permit, fee or mitigation is required to prune, trim or remove a tree on a lot actively used for single-family residential purposes.
Source: West Melbourne Code s. 71-110
Removing a protected tree listed in the city's Manual of Acceptable Plantings requires a permit (s. 71-107).
Source: West Melbourne Code, Ch. 71
Listed invasives, including Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, air potato and cogongrass, are exempt.
Source: West Melbourne Code, Ch. 71
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit to take down a tree in my West Melbourne backyard?
Not if the lot is actively used for single-family residential purposes. Section 71-110(b) of the city code says no notice, application, permit, fee or mitigation is required in that case.
I'm building my own house on a lot in West Melbourne. Do the tree rules apply?
Owner-builders of a single-family home or duplex on their own lot are exempt under s. 71-108(d). State wildlife rules still apply, including FWC's protections for gopher tortoises and their burrows (FWC).
Is West Melbourne part of Melbourne?
No. It's a separate city with its own code. If your address is in Melbourne, see the Melbourne page.