When is a tree removal permit required?

Diameter at Breast Height

A Tree removal permit is required regardless of the health or condition of the tree(s) to remove any tree, 8 inches in diameter at breast height (“DBH”) or greater, or any of the following trees with  a DBH of 4 inches or greater

  • American Holly
  • Dogwood
  • Red Buckeye
  • Redbud
  • Southern Magnolia

Permit Exemptions

Exemptions to a tree removal permit include:

  • Removal of dead or diseased trees if the tree was not included in a previously approved landscape plan and the Unified Development Ordinance  Administrator determines that the tree is clearly diseased or dead
  • Removal of hazardous trees provided the property owner submits an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form to the Unified Development Ordinance  Administrator that has been prepared by an ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor, ISA Certified Arborist, or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist - the assessment shall be independent and not prepared by the same company that would remove the hazardous tree
  • Removal of trees less than 14 inches in DBH on property used as a single-family detached residential
  • Tree removals identified in a valid Final Development Plan or Subdivision Plan
  • Tree removals identified in a valid Silviculture Permit

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1. When is a tree removal permit required?