City of Tampa
Variance Review Board

How to oppose a Grand Tree Removal in Your Neighborhood

City Of Tampa Tree Magistrate

The Tree Magistrate is the appointed position to hear and decide code enforcement cases involving trees or Chapter 27-284. It is a volunteer position and has been typically filled by a local attorney.

The Five Criteria for Petitioning the City of Tampa
for a Variance are as follows:

  • 1. Hardship details, i.e., uniqueness of property, not practical or economic hardship.

  • 2. Hardship cannot be self created (difficulty does not result from the actions of the applicant).

  • 3. The variance, if granted, will not decrease value of other property or change character of neighborhood.

  • 4. The variance is in harmony with, and serves the general intent and purpose of, the VRB and the adopted Tampa Comprehensive Plan.

  • 5. Should take into consideration developer, individual and neighbors.

Approximately 30% of all Variance Review Board cases involve Grand Tree removals.

City Of Tampa Variance Review Board

You can access the City of Tampa Variance Review Board website by clicking the button below.

CITY OF TAMPA VARIANCE REVIEW BOARD

Where to Watch Variance Review Board Meetings

  • WATCH ON TV

    VRB hearings can be viewed on the City’s TV station using Frontier (channel 15) or Spectrum.

    They repeat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are also available On Demand.

  • WATCH ONLINE

    VRB hearings can also be viewed on YouTube

    Click the link to go to the City of Tampa Meetings YouTube channel, or search "City of Tampa Meetings" on YouTube.

Listen to a TTAG member's testimony at the VRB

Tampa rejects developer's plan to take down South Tampa's Grand Oaks

TAMPA, Fla. - Tree advocates fighting a developer to save two grand oak trees from being chopped down were handed a win Tuesday night.

Read Article on Fox 13 News

For more information on VRB hearings or how to become a VRB Board member (a volunteer position), contact

City of Tampa Development Coordination Office: 813-274-8320

Contact the City of Tampa Variance Review Board

To contact the Variance Review Board via email: VRB@tampagov.net

  • VRB decisions can be appealed to Tampa City Council under these rules:

  • Those living within a 250 ft. radius of the property in question will receive public notice information.

  • Neighborhood or Civic Association can appeal under certain conditions

  • Appeal must be filed with Tampa City Clerk within 2 weeks of VRB decision

  • Appeal fee of $200 must be paid in cash within 2 weeks to City Clerk.

  • Anyone is able to make a public comment at the City Council VRB appeal hearing

  • *For more information Contact the Tampa City Clerk, Monday - Friday: 813-274-7077 or 813-274-8397.
Tampa

City of Tampa Accela Citizen Access On-line Portal

Information regarding legal disposition of cases regarding illegal tree removals, fines for tree code violations and more, can be found by utilizing the City’s Citizen Access Portal on-line.

By entering the address of the property you can search for records and cases.

Citizen Access Portal

City of Tampa Tree Hotline:

Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm: 813-258-8733

After hours/weekend: 813-931-2168