What is a Protected Tree?
A protected tree in the City of Austin is a tree with a circumference of 60 inches or more, measured at 4 1/2 feet above the natural grade. It is more common for a tree to be referred to by its diameter. The equivalent of 60 inches in circumference is 19 inches in diameter.

Who Needs a Tree Removal Permit?

Anyone within the City of Austin's Zoning Jurisdiction who needs to remove a protected tree must first request a Tree Ordinance Review. This is a requirement not only for residential lot development, but also private landowners.

Where Do I Get a Tree Removal Permit?

	Tree Removal permits are issued by the Environmental Review and Inspection Division of the Watershed Protection Department. This service is located in the Development Assistance Center, 505 Barton Springs Road (One Texas Center Building), 2nd Floor. If you have questions, you may call 512-974-1876.
	$25.00 Application fee required.

How Long Does it Take to Get Permit?

Watershed Protection shall approve or deny any application to remove a protected tree within 10 days of submittal. If a variance request is required, then the application shall be processed not later than the 55th day after the application was filed.

Requests for Tree Ordinance Reviews may either be faxed to (512) 974-3010 or submitted in person at the Development Assistance Center (DAC). In either case, a detailed description of where the trees are located on the site is required. It is also very helpful to identify the trees to be removed on the site with brightly colored flagging. Tree Ordinance Review Forms are available upon request at the DAC. For telephone requests, the following information will be needed: Address of Property Applicant Name Owner Name Telephone and Fax # Type of Tree Cir/Dia. of Tree (4.5' from ground) General Condition Reason for Removal

Do I Have to Plant Replacement Trees?

Tree mitigation, including the planting of replacement trees, may be required as a condition of application approval. All replacement trees must be a minimum of 2 inch caliper and must be Class I Native Trees. Trees that are diseased, dying or dead usually do not require tree replacements. All tree replacements must be planted on the same property from which the protected trees were removed, unless alternative arrangements are made with Watershed Protection.

If the tree removal is in conjunction with construction that requires a building permit, a hold will be placed on the permit/address until all replacement trees are planted. Otherwise, all other replacement mitigation is required within six months of the removal or the next planting season whichever comes first. Planting seasons for the City of Austin are October through December and February through May.

How Long is My Permit Good For?

An approval to remove a protected tree expires one year after its effective date. After all tree replacements are installed, a Tree Ordinance Review should be scheduled with the City of Austin. Removal of a protected tree without a tree removal permit is a violation of the Land Development Code Chapter 25-8, Subchapter B, Article I: Tree and Natural Area Protection. One hundred percent replacement is required for a protected tree of any condition that is removed without an approved permit.

What About Pruning a Protected Tree?

Please note that pruning a protected tree does not require a permit; however, no more than 30% of the viable portion of a tree's crown may be removed. Also, a protected tree is only considered preserved if no more than 50% of the Critical Root Zone is impacted by development.

Other Important Numbers

	Trees on public property: Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry Department (512) 440-5150
	Trees limbs in electric utility lines: Austin Energy Tree Pruning (512) 494-9400 or (512) 322-6771
	More information about Tree Removal Permits or the Tree and Natural Area Protection Ordinance, (512) 974-1876

Originally Published by:
City of Austin Watershed Protection Department
Modified: January 16, 2003