City of Tampa Self-Certified Private Arborist (SCPA)

A City of Tampa Self-Certified Private Arborist, or SCPA, has been granted the ability to Self-Certify the following activities/documents using City-approved forms:

1. Tree condition evaluation/risk assessments for issuance of tree removal permits (protected and grand)
2. Tree condition evaluation/risk assessments for issuance of tree pruning permits (specimen and grand)
3. Certification of tree surveys for use in zoning reviews, right-of-way permit reviews, and building permit reviews
4. Certification of arborist reports for use in zoning reviews, right-of-way permit reviews, and building permit reviews

Certification earned during the Pilot Program is valid through 12/31/2020.

Self-Certification requires use of City-approved forms and evaluation/risk assessment methods.

Documentation provided as part of Self-Certification submittals, as described above, will serve as the accepted information for a specific development site, without re-inspection by Natural Resources. As needed, Natural Resources may perform routine audits of forms, reports, documentation, methods, etc. submitted by ISA Arborist performing Self-Certification.

Should any changes be made to any local, state, or federal laws and/or rules that affect the current City Codes and Technical Standards taught, additional/update courses may be required, in order to maintain a valid certification. If such courses are not successfully completed, the certification may be void.

Ricky Peterika of Dark Moss has this certification, as well as approximately 20 other practicing arborists in the Tampa Bay region, including:

1. Jim Weaver of J.A.W.S. Tree Service
2. David Reilly of Seeds to Trees, LLC
3. Paul Cliff of Green Leader Consulting
4. Apollo O’Neil of O’Neils Tree Service
5. Jordan Upcavage of Independent Tree Service
6. Joe Kidder of Arborpro
7. Kacy Keefe of Arbor Bay Tree & Landscaping

Dark Moss specializes in tree inventories, certification of tree surveys, and arborist reports for use in zoning review, right-of-way permits reviews, and building reviews.

Dark Moss can certify tree pruning and removal permits as well, but since we do not provide the contract arborist services to physically conduct this work, interested parties may find more value in dealing directly with a SCPA contract arborist.