Residential Tree Permits

Important facts about the Tree Ordinance

These rules apply only to large trees.

• Measure four and one-half feet up from the ground.
• Use a flexible tape to measure around the tree. This is the circumference.
• Divide the circumference by 3.1416 to get the diameter.
• 19 inches to 23 inches-it’s a Protected Tree
• 23 inches and more- a Heritage Tree

A rough guide—if a person five and a half feet tall can barely reach around the trunk, it’s about 60 inches around with a 19-inch diameter.

I have Protected trees on my property. What does that mean?

• All trees, eight inches and over, must be shown on a mandatory Site Plan.
• If you have Protected or Heritage trees, you must apply for a Tree Review.
• You must protect the Critical Root Zone (CRZ). For instance, the CRZ of an Oak with a 20-inch diameter extends 20 feet around the tree.
• You can’t remove these trees without approval or remove over 25% of their canopy.
• If a protected tree is too diseased or damaged to be saved, you need a permit to remove it.

Large trees — it’s wise to call a Certified Arborist for an assessment.

• Heritage Tree Care provides tree assessments based on existing tree surveys from licensed surveyors.

• Heritage Tree Care is familiar with complicated regulations.

• Our arborists can identify which trees should be preserved and how to make your design work.
• Cities often require a plan describing how you will protect the Critical Root Zone. We can provide a tree care plan which meets this requirement.