City Arborist

The City Arborist Program is responsible for issuing tree permits for residential and commercial properties in compliance with the Land Development Code (Chapter 25-8, Subchapter B);City requirements are designed to achieve a balance of re-forestation and preservation, frequently emphasizing one of the two elements to achieve the best long-term benefit for the community.

The Environmental Criteria Manual (Section 3, Tree and Natural Area Preservation), contains design criteria needed to achieve the tree and natural area preservation goals identified in the Land Development Code.

Completion of the Tree Ordinance Review Application is required to remove a protected size tree, or to construct within close proximity of a protected size tree within the full or limited purpose city limits.

Single Family Residential Properties

The removal of or impact to any tree 60 inches in circumference and larger (measured at 4.5 feet above the ground). Sixty inches in circumference is equivalent to 19 inches in diameter. Trees smaller than 60 inches in circumference are not regulated. Protected size trees that are dead and/or hazardous also require a permit. A Tree Risk Assessment (example form) may be requested to further document the condition of the tree.

Examples of when a tree permit may be needed

Commercial and Non Single Family Development

All trees 8 inches in diameter and larger (25'' circumference) are required to be accurately located on site plans submitted for development review. The trees are depicted on the grading and tree protection plan sheets per the Environmental Criteria standards.

See Critical Root Zone and Tree Preservation Requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reporting Illegal Tree Removals

Is someone cutting down a large tree in your neighborhood and are you unsure if they have a permit? You can first check here to see if they have a permit: If they do not, then call or contact 311, email us any time via the email hotline. The message will be received, even on the weekends.

Related Tree Programs

Send an email to the City Arborist Program	(512) 974-1876 505 Barton Springs Rd, 4th Floor Austin, TX 78704
Schedule a Residential Inspection	(512) 974-1876
Pre-design/Development Assistance	(512) 974-2639
Heritage Tree Concerns	(512) 974-2755