Bellaire, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Bellaire's tree preservation regulations in Chapter 78 of the Code of Ordinances protect significant trees on private property. A tree removal permit is required before removing any tree with a trunk diameter of 6 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground level (diameter at breast height or DBH). Permit applications are reviewed by the city's building department. Factors considered include the tree's health, species, proximity to structures, and whether removal is necessary for construction or safety. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may be removed with an expedited permit. The city may require replacement plantings at a ratio determined during the permit review, typically one-for-one or greater for significant specimen trees. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements. Trees removed without a permit are subject to fines and mandatory replacement. The city also regulates tree removal during construction projects through its development review process, requiring tree surveys and preservation plans for new construction and major renovations. Bellaire's urban canopy is valued for stormwater management, particularly given the city's location in the Brays Bayou watershed and history of flooding.