City Arborist

The City Arborist Program administers the City of Austin's Tree Ordinance and issues permits to remove or impact regulated trees. On private property, the City regulates three classifications of trees: 8- to 18-inch diameter, Protected Trees, and Heritage Trees. Tree preservation requirements are detailed in Section 3 of the Environmental Criteria Manual.

Levels of Tree Ordinance Protection

	8" and larger Survey required on commercial and multifamily site plan submittals
	19" and larger are Protected Trees All species are protected Tree permit required for removal or impacts (residential and public)
	24" and larger may be Heritage Trees Applies to Pecans, Bald Cypress, Eastern Black Walnut, American Cedar Elm, All Oaks, as well as a few less common species Variance required for removal or impacts that exceed code requirements
	30" and larger Heritage Trees Proposed variances must go through public process

Helpful Links

Trees on Residential Property 

Learn about regulated trees and the tree review process on residential property. 

Trees on Commercial and Multifamily Property 

Learn about regulated trees and the tree review process on multifamily properties and projects that require a Site Plan. 

Dead, Diseased, and Imminent Hazard Trees 

Apply for a permit to remove a dead, diseased tree, or an imminent danger to people or property. 

Report a Tree Violation 

What to do if you suspect unpermitted activity impacts regulated trees near you. 

Tree Terms Glossary 

We define some of the commonly used — though not commonly understood — terms in tree preservation and permitting. 

Tree & Tree Preservation FAQs

What is a Protected tree?

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. Read the complete Protected Tree Regulations.

What is a Heritage tree?

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:

• Ash, Texas
• Cypress, Bald
• Elm, American
• Elm, Cedar
• Madrone, Texas
• Maple, Bigtooth
• All Oaks
• Pecan
• Walnut, Arizona
• Walnut, Eastern Black

Removal of a heritage tree is prohibited, except as provided under Section 25-8-641 of the City Code. Read the complete Heritage Tree Regulations.

How do I measure a tree?

Visit the Trees on Residential Property or Trees on Commercial and Multifamily Property webpage to learn about how to measure a tree. 

My neighbor’s tree limbs are growing over my property line. Can I prune them?

Legally, this is a civil matter between the property owners. Typically, landowners may remove vegetation that crosses their property line, or the air space directly above it. However, we strongly encourage neighbors to discuss these issues and agree on a plan before any action is taken. We also encourage using ideal pruning techniques. NOTE: If the tree is regulated (19 inches or more in diameter), no more than 25% of the canopy may be removed without a permit.

Who can help me? (Tree contacts across the City)

Stewarding our community’s tree resources is a team effort, and many departments across the City regulate and provide services related to trees. Visit our Who Can Help Me? page to find the right contact to address your question or concern.

How do I apply for a tree permit?

When the development of a residential property contains a regulated tree, the tree review will occur simultaneously with the building plan review. The tree permit will accompany the residential building permit.

When a regulated tree is not development-related but impacted by utility issues, disease or other conditions, a Tree Ordinance Review Application (TORA) is required.

Learn more about the permitting process for Trees on Residential Property.

Learn more about the permitting process for Trees on Commercial and Multifamily Property.

View the Tree Ordinance Review Application Process Flowchart ^(PDF).

How do I schedule an appointment with the tree division?

PDC Appointments

Virtual and in-person appointments are available for customers to discuss general tree and application questions. Appointments are 15-20 minutes long. Staff may take a cursory look at conceptual development plans, but no documentation or field assessment will be provided. These appointments are not for plans currently in review. Follow these instructions to schedule an appointment online:

1. Visit the online PDC Appointment Scheduler.
2. Under Select Department, choose “Development Services.”
3. Under Select Category, choose “Application Questions.”
4. Under Select Type, choose “Trees.”
5. Select your location and language preference and click “Schedule Appointment.”
6. Select the date and time you would like to schedule your appointment. Click “Continue.”
7. Fill out the final screen with your contact information and reason for your visit. Click “Schedule It.”

Pre-plan Submittal Consultations

AB+C Portal Update: A new AB+C Portal was recently launched. Please use the AB+C Manual for help as we update the steps on this webpage.

Residential and commercial customers have the option of requesting a paid Pre-plan Submittal Consultation. Staff will meet the applicant on site and discuss site-specific development plans. Follow these steps to request a Pre-plan Submittal Consultation through the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal.

1. Register or log into your existing account on the AB+C Portal. Click “Apply for Permits/Cases” on the left-hand navigation pane.
2. For Application Type, select “Tree Ordinance Review Application,” then “TORA,” and then select “Residential.”
3. On the next screen, select the correct applicant name from the drop down and click “Continue.”
4. Under “Qualification/Type of Work” enter a description of your project. Include as much detail as possible. Then click “Continue – Apply Online.”
5. Use the Property Search tool to find the address where the work will be taking place. Select the correct address from the search results.
6. Confirm the information you’ve entered so far and click “Continue.”
7. Select the Type of Application, and for Type of Work select “Pre-plan Submittal Consultation.” Enter the tree information under Tree Ordinance Review and click “Continue.”
8. On the next screen you can upload images. A conceptual plan and tree survey are required here. Click “Continue.”
9. The final screen will show a summary of your application and fee amount. Fees will not be payable until your application passes a completeness check. Click “Submit.” You will receive an email confirming that your application was successfully submitted.
10. When your application passes completeness check, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to schedule your consultation.

Can I get advice on developing a property I want to purchase?

The property owner or an authorized agent may request an optional Pre-plan Submittal Consultation through the Austin Build + Connect (AB+C) Portal to discuss any regulated trees and possible future development. 

What jurisdictions are subject to the Tree Preservation Ordinance?

The City of Austin’s Tree Preservation Ordinance applies in Austin's Full and Limited Purpose jurisdictions. The ordinance does not apply in the Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). You can use the Property Profile tool to look up a property's zoning by address.

What is a tree survey tag?

A tree survey tag (generally an aluminum circular or rectangular label attached to the tree trunk) assigns a specific identification number to a tree for a site plan or survey. It does not mean the tree is marked to be saved or removed. 

Will the City prune or remove my tree?

The property owner is responsible for tree removal or required maintenance unless the tree is located on public property.

Something is wrong with my trees. Can someone come out and look at them?

While we are happy to answer basic questions over the phone or via email, residents should hire an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist for tree problems on private property. The City of Austin does not provide tree consulting for residents.

The Find an Arborist tool from Trees Are Good or the American Society of Consulting Arborists may help you find a certified arborist in your area.