Development and Environmental Services

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1.00 - All Questions

• 1.01) Why have land management?

  The purpose and intent of land management is to preserve and promote a healthy and safe environment that facilitates the creation of a convenient, attractive, and sustainable community.

• 1.02) Are trees protected?

  By ordinance, trees are valued by the county, and removal may require a permit from the Land Management Inspector. For an application, or information, please call 407-742-0200. Also See "When do I need a clearing permit?"

• 1.03) Are there any landscaping requirements?

  Yes. Specifics can be found in Chapter 10 of the Land Development Code.

• 1.04) What is mitigation?

  The compensation (money, land) that is provided to the government when you develop wetlands.

• 1.05) What is a Conservation Area?

  In Osceola County, there are three main types of conservation areas; wetlands, scrub, and habitats that contain Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E) and Species of Special Concern (SSC). WETLANDS serve natural biological functions by providing habitat for wetland dependent wildlife, recycling nutrients from runoff, providing areas of natural aquifer recharge and providing natural erosion and sediment control. A wetland may be associated with a lake, stream or may be isolated. The existence of a wetland is determined by the types of soil, vegetation and hydrology of the area. Activity within or adjacent to a wetland, such as clearing or disturbing the soil, is restricted. Please contact the Osceola County Planning & Environmental Service Dept. for help in identifying potential wetland conservation areas on your property. FLORIDA SCRUB HABITATS function as a home to more than two dozen threatened and endangered species. A distinctive feature of a scrub area is the white or yellow sandy soil. Osceola County is home to some of the endangered habitat. Please contact the Osceola County Planning & Environmental Services Dept. for more information on scrub habitats and assistance in identifying them on your property. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES & SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN are located in many different types of habitats. Some of the most common protected species include bald eagles, gopher tortoises and scrub jays. For a complete list and more information on these species, visit the Fisheries and Wildlife Services online at endangered.fws.gov.

• 1.06) What do I need to develop my property?

  • Land Clearing Permit - Planning and Environmental Services Department
  • Building Permit - Building and Development Department

  You may also need additional permits and / or approvals from the Building, Code Enforcement, Engineering, Planning, and Zoning Offices.

• 1.07) When do I need a clearing permit?

  Anytime you conduct development activity as defined by Florida Statutes, disturb the vegetation or alter the soil on any site that is undeveloped, a clearing permit is required. All commercial sites require permits whether developed or undeveloped. Homeowners are exempt after a primary residence has been established on the property. However, clearing or tree removal should not impact any conservation areas.

• 1.08) Who is FDEP?

  FDEP stands for Florida Department of Environmental Protection. FDEP regulates development activity that occurs within jurisdictional wetlands and lakes in Osceola County. If you know that you have wetlands on the property that you are developing, you will need to contact FDEP (407-894-7555) for a jurisdictional line determination. This will be required for your clearing and/or building permit. This is a free service, but you need to allow at least 4 weeks.

• 1.09) When do I need a permit for a boat dock?

  A building permit is required from Osceola County for all boat dock and water dependent structures. An additional permit from FDEP is required when constructing a dock 1000 sq. ft. or more. If the dock is used commercially or impacts the water flow or shoreline, a permit from FDEP may also be required.

• 1.10) What is a Safe Development Line?

  Safe Development Lines are lines of elevation along a lake. This line indicates building setbacks. Non-water dependent structures are prohibited from being built or placed lakeward of the Safe Development Line. Septic systems must be 150ft landward of the Safe Development Line. Safe Development Lines are observed on the following lakes in Osceola County:

  • Alligator
  • Ajay
  • Brick
  • Center
  • Coon
  • Gentry
  • Lizzie
  • Trout
  • Joel
  • Myrtle
  • Preston
  • East Tohopekaliga
  • Tohopekaliga.

  The elevation of the Safe Development Line varies by lake. Please check with your surveyor or the Planning and Environmental Services Department for the correct elevation.

  NOTE: Any property that was platted prior to the adoption of the Osceola County Comprehensive Plan on April 22, 1991 may be exempt from this provision.