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Tree Protection in Colonie, NY (2026)

3 verified tree protection rules for Colonie, New York, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Tree Removal Permits

Tree-removal permitting in the Town of Colonie operates through Chapter 177 (Trees), adopted by Local Law No. 6-1970, and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use). The Planning Board, during subdivision and site-plan review under Chapter 190, may designate areas where trees must be left standing; no live tree exceeding three inches in diameter may be cut down in such areas without Planning Board consent. The Town does not impose a separate, standalone tree-removal permit for routine private-lot removals outside protected areas; right-of-way trees are coordinated with the Department of Public Works.

Colonie NY Tree Removal Permits and Planning Board Review

Some Restrictions

Heritage & Protected Trees

The Town of Colonie does not maintain a dedicated public heritage-tree registry in its Code. Specimen and heritage trees are protected indirectly: through Chapter 177 (Trees) and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use), the Planning Board may designate areas where trees must be left standing on approved subdivision plats, and no live tree exceeding three inches in diameter in those areas may be cut without Planning Board consent. The Conservation Advisory Council recommends preservation during development review. Notable mature-tree resources include the Pruyn House grounds, Colonie Town Park, and the Mohawk River corridor.

Colonie NY Heritage and Specimen Trees

Some Restrictions

Tree Replacement Requirements

Tree replacement in the Town of Colonie is imposed through Planning Board conditions on subdivision and site-plan approvals under Chapter 177 (Trees) and Chapter 190 (Zoning and Land Use), rather than through a standalone tree-replacement ordinance. The Planning Board may require replacement plantings, designate species (drawn from native or proven non-invasive lists), specify caliper and survivability terms, and condition Certificate of Occupancy on installation. The Conservation Advisory Council recommends replacement species during plan review. Right-of-way replacements are coordinated with the Department of Public Works.

Colonie NY Tree Replacement Requirements

Some Restrictions

Looking for Albany County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Colonie city rules.

Tree Protection in Albany County