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Natural Resources

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1. Can I remove trees or vegetation in a residential neighborhood?

It depends on whether you live in a neighborhood with a development approval or not. Most formal developments and subdivisions in Town have a development approval which includes an approved Site Plan and Landscape Plan of record on file with the Town. Most of these neighborhoods have a Homeowners Association (HOA), which should be able to answer your question. However, when in doubt, please contact Natural Resources.

ANSWER (a): If you live in a neighborhood with a development approval and a HOA, and the trees or vegetation are located on your lot of residence, you do not need Town approval, only HOA approval. However, there is an exception to this: if the tree in question is a street tree (usually located within the green space between the sidewalk and edge of road) or is a tree or vegetation on a common area, then Town approval is required. In these cases, the HOA should apply to the Town for a Vegetation Removal Permit. 

ANSWER (b): If you do not live in a neighborhood with a development approval or a HOA - these are older neighborhoods (see list below), often referred to as "charter" neighborhoods - you do not need Town approval to remove trees or vegetation if they are located on a developed lot. These older neighborhoods are exempt, because at the time of development, there were no requirements for a minimum amount of preserved native vegetation or landscaping. If the lot in question is undeveloped, or is not zoned Residential, please contact Natural Resources.

The older neighborhoods are: Pine Gardens North, Pine Gardens South, East View Manor, Jupiter River Estates, Penn Park, Brentwood North, Brentwood South, Riverside Drive Park, Olympus, North Palm Beach Heights, and most streets north/south of Center Street.

2. Can I remove mangroves?

Removal of mangroves is not permitted by the Town - the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection oversees mangrove protection. Requests for a permit to trim or remove mangroves should be directed to the DEP. The Southeast District office contact number is 561-681-6600.

3. I want to trim mangroves on my property. Do I need to hire a Professional Mangrove Trimmer, or can I trim the mangroves?

Trimming of mangroves is regulated by the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Contact the Southeast District office at 561-681-6600 to determine if the trimming should be conducted by a Professional Mangrove Trimmer. The DEP maintains a list of PMTs.

4. I want to hire a tree/landscape company - Do you have anyone you can recommend?

Town policy does not allow us to recommend any companies. We do recommend that for any tree trimming, you choose an ISA Certified Arborist to ensure proper pruning techniques are followed. The ISA maintains a database of arborists, which you can search by zip code.

5. I want to hire a tree/landscape business. Are they registered with the town?

Please visit Palm Beach County Business Registration they can help research and verify any business registered with the county.

6. Who do I contact if I have a question about trees or landscape in the medians or along the Right Of Way?

The Public Works Department maintains the medians and can answer questions on this topic. 561-748-2730

7. My neighbors tree branches, roots, shrubs, or yard clippings are coming into my yard - can the town do something about this?

This is a private and civil matter between property owners. Please discuss this with your neighbor.

8. If a tree/landscape is on my property line we don't know who owns it - can the town come and tell us?

This is a private and civil matter between property owners. Please discuss this with your neighbor.

9. There is a dead tree on my property – Will the town remove it? Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?

If it is on your property, it is the property owners' responsibility to remove it, since it is on private property. You do not need a permit to remove a dead tree. Depending upon where you live, you may need to replace it.

10. There is a dead tree in the Right of Way or alley way - who do I call about removal?

Please contact the Public Works Department at 561-748-2730.

11. There is a dead tree in my neighbors' yard - I am afraid it will fall on my house, what can I do?

Please contact Code Compliance at 561-741-2477.

12. I want to remove a tree or modify landscaping on a residential or commercial property - do I need permission?

These properties require a Vegetation Removal permit may be required for Residential, Commercial, Multi-family and Industrial. If modifying landscaping - say a few plant switch outs with other plants, then a zoning determination letter requesting the changes. If they are doing a significant amount of change in the landscaping, they will need to submit a new landscape plan with a site plan amendment fee and a letter of request. Contact Planning & Zoning at 561-741-2323.

13. Do I need a "Clearing" or "Vegetation Removal" permit to clear or remove exotic and/or prohibited plant species from my property?

Yes, a Permit Application for Vegetation Removal is required in order to identify and verify the exotic and/or prohibited plants to be removed as well as identify and protect any native trees and vegetation that should remain.

14. Someone is cutting a tree down or removing landscaping - who do I call to report it?

Please contact Code Compliance at 561-741-2477.

15. Who trims the seagrapes along the beach? Why do they seem overgrown?

The sections of beachfront that are owned by the Town are trimmed according to the terms and limitations of an approved State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit. The DEP regulates the protection of beach dunes and beach dune vegetation as well as trimming of beach dune vegetation. The trimming work is coordinated through the Public Works Department 561-741-2730.  One of the guiding factors of the Town’s seagrape trimming permit is the sea turtle nesting season, where trimming is limited during the season in order to allow the seagrapes to grow and shield the beach from nearby artificial light sources. Adult and hatchling sea turtles rely on the dark backdrop of the beach dunes and vegetation to point them towards the open ocean, which is brighter due to the reflection of moonlight. Artificial light can be very dangerous to sea turtles because the artificial light competes with the natural moonlight on which they rely for orientation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has more information about the disorientation of sea turtles caused by artificial lighting.

16. What are the lighting regulations on the beach to protect the sea turtle nesting?

Artificial lights on the beach such as from flashlights, and lighting from nearby developments, can be very dangerous for sea turtles. Lighting and sea turtle protection is regulated by the Environmental Resources Management division of Palm Beach County. Please visit their website or call 561-233-2400 to learn more about this topic including permitting requirements, sea turtle facts, and how to find sites to go on an approved sea turtle walk with a licensed guide. One of the guiding factors of the Town’s seagrape trimming permit is the sea turtle nesting season, where trimming is limited during the season in order to allow the seagrapes to grow and shield the beach from nearby artificial light sources.

17. Do I need a permit to build a dock or boatlift on my property?

Yes. A Building Permit is required, and is reviewed by multiple departments, including Building, Engineering, Planning and Zoning, and the Natural Resources division of Planning and Zoning. Docks and boatlifts must comply with all code provisions in the Marine Facilities section of Chapter 27 of the Jupiter Town Code. This section of Code describes the items that are required to submit an application, setback distances specific to each zoning district, as well as shape, size, and design requirements. All applications must include authorizations from all other applicable entities such as Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Army Corps of Engineers, and Homeowner’s Association. Please contact Planning and Zoning at 561-741-2323 with questions.

18. Can I build a seawall?

Yes, but the location of the seawall is dependent on if the property has an existing seawall that meets the definition of a Bulkhead in Town Code or if the existing shoreline stabilization on the property meets the definition of a Revetment in Town Code. If the property does not have an existing seawall as defined by Town Code, other options are available such as a riprap or an upland retaining wall. All options require permitting with the Town. Prior to submitting a permit application, the Town recommends having a pre-application meeting with Natural Resources and Planning staff. Staff are able to help determine if the existing shoreline stabilization meets the definition of a bulkhead or revetment, and will provide the replacement options available as determined by Code. All applications must include authorizations from all other applicable entities such as Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Army Corps of Engineers, and Homeowner’s Association. Please contact Planning and Zoning at 561-741-2323 with questions.

19. What are the current watering restrictions?

The South Florida Water Management District has a year-round landscape irrigation rule that limits lawn and garden watering. Details on what days and times are appropriate to water are available on their website. SFWMD can also be reached by phone at 561-686-8800.