There is a lot of confusion surrounding the care and potential removal of easement trees in Westchase. Trees are a vital part of the ecosystem in Hillsborough County and should only be removed as a last resort. The Natural Resources Division administers the regulations for trees and their removal. Residents of Westchase must also abide by guidelines set for by the WCA and the CDD.
The Westchase CDD has put together a document outlining the steps residents should follow when considering removal of a live easement tree, as listed below.
- Obtain a tree removal permit from Hillsborough County. Visit HCFL.gov and find the natural resources page and tree removal permit section to determine if a permit is required. Follow the county website directions in filling out the tree removal permit application.
- With approved county tree removal permit, apply for a modification through the Westchase Community Association (WCA). A modification form can be found on the quick links section of westchasewca.com or through the Vantaca portal.
- Residents must also seek approval from the CDD board. The CDD board meets on the first Tuesday of the month generally at the Maureen Gauzza library on Countryway Boulevard (you do not need to be present at the meeting). Requests can be emailed to CDD@Westchasecdd.com. If the decision is made to grant the tree removal, the cost of tree removal, stump grinding and/or sod replacement is the responsibility of the resident and not the CDD. Once the tree is removed, the CDD will replace the removed tree with an approved street tree consistent with the community and the County street tree replacement guidelines.
Note: there are instances when a permit is not required to remove a tree on residential property if certain criteria are met (i.e. dead/dangerous/invasive tree). Learn more about that criteria and county regulations regarding trees and their removal at hcfl.gov/businesses/permits-and-records/natural-resources/tree-resources.
It is also important to remember that, while CDD approval is only required for removal of easement trees, all visible landscaping and tree-related modifications must be approved by the WCA. Visit westchasewca.com>Committees>Modifications Committee to learn more about the modification application process. Visit westchasewca.com>Residential Info>Docs & Forms to review the WCA guidelines for tree removal, which can be found in Article XII, Section 16 of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CCR’s) and ByLaws, and in the Westchase Residential Guidelines, section 2.2.10.