Navigating Austin’s Tree Ordinance: Your Complete Guide to Permits for Tree Removal and Pruning
Austin’s commitment to preserving its urban forest means that property owners must navigate specific regulations before removing or significantly impacting trees on their property. In 1983, the City of Austin passed one of the first tree protection ordinances in the United States. The City continued its commitment to protecting valuable community trees by passing the Heritage Tree Ordinance in 2010. Understanding these requirements can save you from costly fines and ensure your project proceeds smoothly.
Understanding Austin’s Tree Classifications
Austin’s tree ordinance creates three distinct categories of regulated trees, each with different protection levels and permit requirements. On private property, the City regulates three classifications of trees: 8- to 18-inch diameter, Protected Trees, and Heritage Trees.
Protected Trees: A Protected tree has a diameter of 19 inches or more, at a point measured 4.5 feet above the ground. Within the City of Austin, a permit is required to remove a Protected tree, except as otherwise provided in Section 25-8-621 of the City Code. This applies to residential properties where these larger trees require formal approval before removal.
Heritage Trees: A heritage tree has a diameter of 24 inches or more, at a point measured 4.5 feet above the ground, and is one of the following species: … Removal of a heritage tree is prohibited, except as provided under Section 25-8-641 of the City Code. These trees receive the highest level of protection due to their significant ecological and cultural value.
Commercial Property Trees: On commercial and multifamily properties, any tree that is 8 inches or greater in diameter is regulated. This lower threshold reflects the increased scrutiny for development projects.
When You Need a Tree Removal Permit
The permit requirement applies to more than just cutting down trees. Removal refers to excessive damage to the root system, excessive pruning, severing the trunk or uprooting the tree. A permit is required to impact regulated trees above or below ground. This means activities like construction near tree root zones, significant pruning, or any work that could harm a regulated tree requires city approval.
Even dead or dangerous trees may require permits. The City of Austin regulates the removal of certain size trees, even if the tree is dead, diseased, or presents an imminent danger to people or property. You may need a Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) to remove a regulated tree. However, Permits to remove DDI trees can be obtained at no cost to the tree manager or owner through the normal permitting process.
The Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) Process
If your project impacts regulated trees, you’ll need to complete a TORA through Austin’s Build + Connect Portal. In many cases, a Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) is completed as part of another permit application. Once you have determined that you do have regulated-size trees on or near your worksite, you should determine whether your project requires a building or other permit.
The process involves several steps:
- Measuring trees to determine if they’re regulated size
- Completing the online application with detailed project information
- Providing documentation of tree condition and project impacts
- Awaiting city arborist review and approval
For complex projects, you can request a paid Pre-plan Submittal Consultation. The fee for this service is $333.46 for residential customers. This consultation helps ensure your project complies with tree preservation standards before formal submission.
Professional Tree Services and Permit Compliance
Working with experienced local tree service professionals can streamline the permit process and ensure compliance with Austin’s regulations. ATX Blue Star Tree Service, serving Austin and Travis County, understands these local requirements intimately. ATX Blue Star Tree Service offers expert tree care in Austin and Travis County. We’re your neighbors, and we’re here to help you create the yard of your dreams. We listen to your needs and work with you to achieve your goals.
The company’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with Austin’s tree preservation goals. We provide transparency with honest pricing with no hidden surprises. We’re committed to sustainable practices that protect our environment. This local expertise proves invaluable when navigating permit requirements for Tree Cutting in Travis County, TX.
ATX Blue Star Tree Service is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Their local knowledge and professional approach help property owners understand which trees require permits and how to properly navigate the application process.
Measuring Your Trees Correctly
Accurate measurement is crucial for determining permit requirements. Use a flexible tape measure to measure the circumference (around the tree) from 4.5 feet above the ground. Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter. Special considerations apply for trees on slopes or with irregular trunk swelling.
For multi-stem trees, Measure all the stems at 4.5 feet above grade. Take the largest stem diameter, and add it to half of the subsequent stem diameters. This calculation determines whether the combined trunk system meets the regulated size threshold.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Austin takes tree protection seriously, with significant penalties for unpermitted tree removal. The city is pretty harsh for blatant removal without a permit. Non-compliant tree impact or removal may necessitate more extensive mitigation. These mitigation measures may also be associated with fines, penalties, and time delays associated with corrective measures.
Planning Ahead for Tree Work
The key to successful tree projects in Austin is early planning and professional guidance. Trees less than 19 inches in diameter are not regulated on residential property. Even though you won’t need a Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) to remove or work near these trees, your project may require other permits.
Before starting any tree work, consult with qualified arborists who understand Austin’s ordinance requirements. Professional tree service companies can assess your trees, determine permit needs, and guide you through the application process, ensuring your project complies with all city regulations while protecting Austin’s valuable urban forest.
Understanding Austin’s tree ordinance protects both your investment and the city’s environmental heritage. With proper planning and professional guidance, you can successfully navigate the permit process while contributing to Austin’s goal of maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban canopy for future generations.