Permit not needing in Sumter. County
 

We needed a tree cut down everyone was saying that we needed a permit. Don't need a permit in Sumter County.

In certain instances you need approval from the Architectural Review Committee.

It is a Villages requirement. You cannot cut down a tree greater than 4 inches in diameter without their approval.

It is in your declarations. Mine is in 2.16

Z

We just had Massey come over and they said NO permit in Sumter County

But you still need permission from the ARC of The Villages. Check with Community Standards. They enforce the deed restrictions.

Correct, Massy is wrong

two governing bodies, U can't assume if one is silent about something it's ok.

both need to be silent read your C&R

Excellent point. thanks.

You do not need a permit to cut down a Palm Tree. Removal is not regulated by the ARC or any other agency. You do need permission to remove oaks and other non-palms in the Villages. According to a previous thread from Gerry, they are removing a palm
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...t-down-150259/

http://www.districtgov.org/departmen...dards/faq.aspx

Do I need ARC approval to remove a tree?
Yes. No canopy tree with a trunk four (4) inches or more in diameter shall be removed or effectively removed through excessive injury without first obtaining permission from the ARC.

When I chose to remove palms I was told by ARC that palms were not included in the trees requiring a permit.

I just asked the question about palm tree removal. Here is the reply I received. (PM if you're interested in the specific contact information.)...

If the palm tree is greater than 4 inches in diameter you would need to complete the attached architectural application form for review by the Architectural Review Committee. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.

XXXXX XXXXX
Administrative Coordinator
Community Standards Department

Palm trees are not trees, they are type of grass. I think.

Criminitly. I had the same problem with Community Standards when I had a question -- one person told me yes and the next person said no.

I wouldn't think a palm is considered to be a "canopy tree," but get your answer from them in writing in case they ever come after you!

I agree with the previous post, there is not cost, and you are covered. I had a similar experience when I called about doing some landscaping, initially got 2 different answers. Went to the office with a plot plan, as sketch, and a photo of what I was doing. Everything was approved on the spot. I did complain about the initial different answers.

County = permit

Villages ARC = permission

I've been trying to copy the ARC rules, but with no luck... Some here it goes... For my district 2 the rule states you must obtian permision from the ARC to remove a tree with a trunk greater than 4 inches. The next sentence states if it is a canopy tree it must be checked by an arborist. To me these are two different situations. You still need to obtain approval for removal of a palm. It just does not need to be checked by an arborist. My two cents....

This has been a problem elsewhere too. The County says OK, but they do not know the HOA standards. They should at least tell the person to check the ARC standards, bring signed approval, and THEN they will grant the permit. Where we used to live, same problems.