Hillsborough natural resources, wetlands, trees, clearing, grading, and land alteration

For non-construction land alteration, a Natural Resources permit is required for activities that remove vegetation or change land topography, including grubbing, tree removal, clearing, grading, filling, or excavation, except maintenance of existing grounds. Site development and subdivision projects require a Natural Resources permit before land alteration begins. County review can involve natural resources, site engineering, stormwater, and the Environmental Protection Commission when wetlands or other surface waters fall within EPC jurisdiction. Wetland and natural-water-body setbacks range from 30 to 50 feet; projects encroaching into a setback need authorization, and most vertical improvements are subject to a variance. Wetland setbacks and other environmental areas can constrain an otherwise zoning-compliant building envelope. StartFL should treat mapped wetlands or conservation areas as a material feasibility constraint, not as a note to check after design is complete.