Obtain a Standalone Tree Permit (No Construction)

Step 1.Determine the Necessary Permit.

If you're unsure what permit you need, the questionnaire below can help you find out and ensure you're on the right page. 

Permit Type Questionnaire 

Step 2.Gather the Following Documents.

a. Written Statement (Reason for tree work)

b. Tree/Boundary Survey* depicting all trees on-site, including those in the right of way.  For a commercial property, you must contact a Florida Licensed Surveyor to obtain a Tree/Boundary Survey. The survey can not be more than one year old, and must include:  

• Tree Species
• Location
• Height
• Spread and diameter

*NOTE: For a residential or duplex property, the survey can be prepared by the owner or a owner's representative, as long as it reflects the above information.

c. Tree replacement plan/Landscaping Plan drawn to scale including:

• New locations of relocated and newly installed trees.
• Lot dimension.
• Centerline
• Monument Line.
• Demonstration that there is adequate spacing between trees, hardscapes and utility lines.
• If the minimum tree replacement requirement cannot be met/planted on-site, applicant must make alternative solutions to meet this requirement, including planting off-site or Tree Trust Fund.

d. Photographs of the tree(s) and/or an Arborist Report.

TIP: While an arborist report is not always required, it is often necessary, upon review.  

Step 3.Apply for Tree Permit Online

• Login to iBuild, you will have to create an account or login to an existing account.
• Complete online application. NOTE: In job category, be sure to select TREE PERMIT.
• At the end of the application, you will be asked if you're planning to upload your drawings (plans)/documents, if you select "yes", follow the steps below. If you are not able to submit your drawings and documents electronically, you may visit the City of Miami Building Department located at 444 SW 2ndAvenue, 4thFloor, to submit your drawings and documents for a tree permit.
• Click "submit". You will see a confirmation page with a link to an intake pdf that includes your invoice and process number - you must download and keep this file for later. 

Step 4.Properly Name Your Files

Each page of your plans/drawings must be named individually and must follow a naming convention before you can upload to our system (below). Each page must be submitted as a single file. 

Visit this page to view instructions on the naming convention. 

NOTE: Your application will not be accepted if the naming convention is not followed. 

Step 5.Upload Documents

• After you have completed your initial submission, you will receive an email from eplans@miamigov.com prompting you to upload your documents (assuming you selected "yes").
• You will have to create an Eplan account or login to an existing account (the email you receive will provide a link). 
• Select your project number, and go to the "applicant upload task" tab.
• Upload documents and submit.  You will receive an email confirming that your documents have been uploaded successfully. 
• This is also where you can manage your project as the below process progresses. 

NOTE: Once you hit "upload complete - send to City of Miami", your ability to upload any more documents will be restricted until the completion of the City's application acceptance process. 

Step 6.Modify/Add to Plans and Documents, if Necessary

You will receive an email with comments/revisions from the City, as plans/documents often require modifications and/or additions.  

• Address comments.  You will need to replace each sheet that the reviewers applied a "Changemark" on/requested changes to in the comment checklist, or you may need to upload additional plans/documents (such as a certified arborist report). 
• Go to "manage my existing project" to do this.
• Multiple cycles of comments/requested revisions may occur back and forth.  If your permit is denied, you will be notified during this process. 

NOTE: If you are re-submitting corrected pages, you must keep the file name exactly as it was previously. We will know it’s a new version, and will review accordingly.

TIP: You should address your comments immediately. If there is no activity (Show info) on the project in Eplan within six months, the application will be considered abandoned and you will have to start over.

Step 7.Await Approval & "Intended Decision"

You will be notified when your plans are approved for "intended decision".  At this time, there is a ten, calendar-day waiting period during which an aggrieved party may appeal The City's decision. If there is no appeal, your application will be approved after this period.

NOTE: If there is an appeal, it will be scheduled for the applicable board (HEPB/City Commission). You will be notified of this action, and your permit will be placed on hold. You can view appeals here. 

Step 8.Pay Review Fees

You will be notified of the review fees owed.

 Pay Fees Here

Step 9.Pull Permit

You will be required to pull your permit, which can be online here by selecting "Permit, Pull Permit."

Step 10.Pay Permit Fees

Then, you need to pay your permit fees.

Pay Fees Here 

Step 11.Print Permit

Once your permit has been pulled and paid for, you need to print by going back to iBuild and selecting the “Print Permit Card” option. Enter the permit number (from above) and the permit card will be made available for you to print.

You can also do this in person at the Building Department: 444 SW 2nd Ave, 4th floor. 

Step 12.Download Approved Plans & Documents

After you have paid your fees, we will e-mail you to let you know your final plans are available for download. You will need to log-in to ProjectDox here and download your plans from the Approved Folder. 

Step 13.Begin Permitted Work

Don’t forget to always have your permit card and a job site copy of the approved plans at your project site.