Tree Removal Permits

A permit or arborist report is required prior to removing trees within the Town limits, unless specified in a development order.

Submittal Requirements

• A site plan showing the location of the tree(s) to be removed and all remaining trees on the property.
• An Arborist Report, if applicable.
• Any properties located in a rental park will need written park permission for the permit to be released.

Arborist Report

House Bill 1159 prohibits a local government from requiring a notice, application, approval, permit, fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming, or removal of a tree on residential property if the tree presents a danger to persons or property, as documented by a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect. A local government may not require a property owner to replant a tree that has been pruned, trimmed, or removed in accordance with the bill provisions. 

Please Note: If the property owner obtains a signed arborist report from an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture indicating that the tree presents a danger to persons or property then a permit is not required. We request a copy of the report to be emailed to the building department.

Process

Prior to permit issuance, a site visit will be performed to measure and take pictures of the tree(s) to be removed as well as assess if any replacement trees will be required. 

Tree Trimming

The trimming of trees does not require a permit. However, excessive shearing, pruning, or shaping, including but not limited to hat racking, topping, poodle trimming, lion’s tailing, and pollarding a tree is prohibited. These practices are considered harmful to trees.

Tree Requirements

All residential lots (single-family or duplex) must have a minimum number of canopy trees on-site as follows:

• A residential lot that is 6,500 sq. ft. or less must have one tree.
• A residential lot that is between 6,501 and 13,000 sq. ft. must have two trees.
• A residential lot that is between 13,001 and 19,500 sq. ft. must have three trees.
• A residential lot that is between 19,501 and 26,000 sq. ft. must have four trees.
• A residential lot greater than 26,000 sq. ft. shall require one tree for every 5,000 square feet, or portion thereof.

Invasive Species

Invasives are trees, shrubs, vines, and other species that threaten our native plants. They are introduced either deliberately or unintentionally to an area outside of their natural habitats. Not necessarily destructive in their own home environments, these species can establish themselves and out-compete natives, essentially taking over the environments. Invasive tree species do not need a permit to be removed and shall not be deliberately introduced into the Town and planted on public or private property.

Canopy Trees

Canopy trees are defined as self-supporting woody tree which has an average mature crown of greater than thirty feet and have trunks that can be maintained with over six feet of clear wood.