Clearwater’s first tree-removal decision is whether the work belongs in a construction permit or a stand-alone tree case. Its checklist says removal associated with construction must be submitted through the Building Construction Permit process. Choose that route before opening a duplicate tree application.
Confirm the parcel, then the applicant route
The checklist directs applicants to the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s parcel summary. It identifies Clearwater, CW, CWD or CWDO under Current Tax District as City jurisdiction indicators. A Clearwater mailing address alone is not the test.
For the in-person route, the checklist asks for the completed application and evidence of homestead or primary residency at 100 South Myrtle Avenue. Its online instructions are written for tree-service companies: first register with a valid business tax receipt, create the permitting account and add the applicable license. A homeowner should confirm the appropriate filing route rather than assume the contractor-specific screens apply unchanged.
What the online case actually asks for
After selecting Planning Case Application and then Planning – Tree Permit, the City’s instructions distinguish:
| Screen or attachment | Preparation question |
|---|---|
| Work-site address | Does the selected search result identify the intended parcel and owner? |
| Owner information | Are contact details correct, and is the applicant authorized to act? |
| Property type | Single-family/duplex or multifamily/commercial/nonresidential? |
| Tree details | Why remove it, which species, and how many trees? |
| Supporting documents | Are the inventory, map, photographs, arborist or engineering report tied to the same trees? |
The City expressly says adding photographs does not speed review: all trees are inspected. Attachments can explain the application, but they do not replace the City’s inspection or establish approval.
Three numbers with different meanings
- Application fee: the checklist lists $15 for one through five trees, then $3 for each additional tree. The online guide says fees are the same online and in person and calculated from the application. This is not a removal-work quote.
- Inspection timing: the checklist publishes one to three business days for an arborist visit. Treat that as the City’s stated service timing, not a guaranteed appointment or permission to cut.
- Approved-work window: if approved, removal must occur within six months under the checklist. Check the actual decision and permit conditions before scheduling.
The online workflow ends with credit-card payment and application submission; the approval comes later. Confirm receipt and watch for the City’s decision using the contact information supplied. For routing or follow-up questions, both pages give 727-562-4567 and epermit@myclearwater.com.
LSL read both complete City pages on September 21, 2026. This comparison separates construction routing, applicant identity, application inputs and approval timing. No account was opened, payment made or individual tree evaluated.