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Iorio Says Tree Trimming Fees Will Be Reduced

Tribune photo by JAY CONNER

Matt Moore, who works for Independent Tree Service, prunes a branch from an oak tree.

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 22, 2009

TAMPA - Reacting to an outcry by arborists and tree companies, Mayor Pam Iorio said she will move soon to reduce tree-trimming permit fees to a reasonable level.

"The fee schedule for tree trimming is clearly wrong," the mayor said in an e-mail. "We are going to bring a correction before the (city) council as soon as possible." She did not specify how much the fees could drop or when a recommendation would be made.

The city council raised the cost of tree-trimming permits by eight times the old rate as part of a package of construction fee increases recommended last year by the Growth Management and Development Services department.

Before Jan. 5, the city charged $35 for a permit to trim up to three "grand trees," defined as certain species such as live oaks that measure 34 inches or more in diameter. Now, the permit costs $286 per tree.

To remove a dying tree not considered grand, homeowners now pay $99 per tree in permit fees, up from $35 for three trees.

Arborist Jerry Upcavage said if the city did not reduce the fees to a reasonable level, tree companies were going to drive their bucket trucks around City Hall in a protest.

Opponents of the steep increase said it would hurt the elderly and struggling working class families that have dangerous trees in their yards. It would also encourage homeowners to hire companies that would do the work illegally without a permit and inspections.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303

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