Removing a tree without a required permit in Texas can cost you thousands in fines - Austin alone can charge up to $1,000 per inch of trunk diameter. But permit requirements vary wildly by city: Houston has almost no restrictions, while Austin protects trees as small as 19 inches in diameter.
This guide covers permit requirements for every major Texas city so you know exactly what's required before you cut.
Quick Reference: Texas City Permit Requirements
| City | Permit Required? | Protected Size | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | Yes - Heritage trees | 19"+ diameter | $50-200 + mitigation |
| Dallas | Yes - Overlay districts | 6"+ protected species | $50-150 |
| Houston | Generally no | No size protection | N/A |
| San Antonio | Yes - Significant trees | 24"+ diameter | $25-100 |
| Fort Worth | Yes - Some zones | 8"+ | $25-75 |
| El Paso | Limited | Varies | $0-50 |
| Plano | Yes - Development | 6"+ caliper | $50-100 |
Diameter measured at 4.5 feet above ground (DBH - Diameter at Breast Height)
Austin: Strictest in Texas
Austin's Heritage Tree Ordinance is the most comprehensive in Texas. See Austin tree removal costs
What's Protected
- Any tree 19" or larger in diameter
- All American elms, Arizona cypress, bald cypress, bigtooth maple, cedar elm, and Texas ash regardless of size
- Any tree designated as heritage by the city
Permit Process
- Submit application to Development Services Department
- Pay application fee ($50 for residential)
- Arborist inspection within 5-10 business days
- If approved, pay mitigation fee ($0.50 per caliper inch) OR commit to replanting
Penalties for Unauthorized Removal
- Up to $1,000 per caliper inch of removed tree
- Required replacement at 3:1 ratio
- Criminal charges possible for repeat offenders
Dead or hazardous trees get expedited processing. If your tree is clearly dead, you can often get same-week approval by emailing photos to the Urban Forestry division.
Dallas: Zone-Based Protection
Dallas uses overlay districts and protected species lists rather than a blanket size requirement. See Dallas tree removal costs
What's Protected
- Trees 6" or larger in diameter in Conservation, Planned Development, and Environmental overlay districts
- Protected species: live oak, post oak, bur oak, Shumard oak, cedar elm, pecan, American elm
- Trees in the Trinity River corridor
How to Check Your Zone
Use Dallas's interactive zoning map at dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/planning. Enter your address to see if overlay protections apply.
Permit Process
Contact Dallas Urban Forestry at (214) 948-4450 or submit online through the Development Services portal. Typical turnaround is 7-14 days.
Houston: Minimal Restrictions
Houston is the largest U.S. city without zoning, and its tree regulations reflect that. See Houston tree removal costs
What's Required
- No permit needed for tree removal on private residential property
- Trees in public right-of-way require city approval
- HOA and deed restrictions may have separate requirements
Check your HOA rules before removing trees. Many Houston subdivisions have tree protection covenants that are stricter than city code. Violations can result in fines and mandatory replanting.
San Antonio: Significant Tree Protection
San Antonio protects "significant trees" under its Unified Development Code. See San Antonio removal costs
What's Protected
- Trees 24" or larger in diameter on single-family residential lots
- Trees 15" or larger in diameter on commercial/multi-family properties
- Any tree in a designated historic district
Permit Process
Submit through the Development Services Department. Application requires site plan, tree survey, and removal justification. Fee is $25-100 depending on tree size.
Fort Worth: Development-Focused
Fort Worth's tree preservation ordinance primarily targets development projects but can apply to residential removal in certain zones. See Fort Worth removal costs
When Permits Are Required
- Trees 8" or larger during any construction/development
- Trees in the Trinity River corridor
- Trees in Historic and Cultural districts
- Any tree on city property or right-of-way
For simple residential removal without construction, permits are generally not required.
Other Major Cities
Plano
Trees 6" caliper or larger require permits during development. Replacement required at 1:1 ratio. Plano removal costs
Arlington
Permits required for trees 8" or larger during development. No general residential restrictions. Arlington removal costs
Frisco
Tree preservation ordinance applies primarily to new development. Protected trees require mitigation. Frisco removal costs
El Paso
Limited tree regulations. Desert landscape means fewer large trees. Check with Building Permits for specific requirements. El Paso removal costs
When You Always Need Permission
Regardless of city ordinances, get approval first in these situations:
- Trees on or near property lines: Could be shared property requiring neighbor consent
- Trees near utility lines: Contact your utility company - they often remove for free
- Trees in easements: City or utility may have jurisdiction
- Trees during construction: Almost always requires survey and plan
- Historic districts: Extra protections apply in most Texas cities
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Measure your tree: Diameter at 4.5 feet above ground (wrap a tape measure around and divide by 3.14)
- Identify the species: Take photos of leaves, bark, and overall shape. Texas A&M's tree ID site helps: texastreeid.tamu.edu
- Contact your city: Development Services or Urban Forestry department
- Submit application: Usually requires site plan, photos, and removal reason
- Pay fees: $25-200 depending on city and tree size
- Wait for inspection: 1-4 weeks for standard requests, faster for hazardous trees
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