Tree Protection in Flint, MI (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Flint, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Tree-removal permitting in the City of Flint is administered by the Forestry Division within the Department of Parks and Recreation under Chapter 45 of the Flint Code of Ordinances. The City Forester and the Recreation and Park Board (Section 45-5) have permitting authority for any tree on a street, in a park, or in the public right-of-way. Section 45-11.1 separately empowers the Forestry Supervisor to direct removal of trees, limbs, or shrubs constituting an immediate hazard. Routine removal of a wholly private dead, diseased, or hazardous tree generally does not require a City permit.
Flint MI Tree Removal Permits and Forestry Division Authority
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Flint does not maintain a dedicated public heritage-tree registry in its Codified Ordinances, but Chapter 45 (Trees and Shrubs) uniformly protects all trees on streets, in parks, and in the public right-of-way - no removal or disturbance without a Forestry Division permit under Section 45-5. Specimen trees on private property may be designated through conditions on approved land-development plans under the Flint Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 50). Notable mature-tree resources include For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum (Genesee County Parks), Kearsley Park, and Mott Park.
Flint MI Heritage and Notable Trees
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Tree replacement in the City of Flint is administered by the Forestry Division within the Department of Parks and Recreation for public-tree removals under Chapter 45, and by the Department of Planning and Development for development-site removals under the Flint Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 50). The City Forester (Section 45-5) specifies replacement species and standards for public-tree replacements; species are typically drawn from Michigan native/non-invasive trees suited to the Genesee County climate. The Cleaner, Greener, Safer initiative provides a citywide reforestation pipeline of 1,600 native trees on vacant lots.
Flint MI Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Genesee County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Flint city rules.
Tree Protection in Genesee County →