Bloomington, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Bloomington, IN, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Tree work permit, § 12.24.070, no fee
- City removal notice
- 10 working days' placard notice
- Replacement trees
- Value equal to tree removed
- Stump grinding depth
- 24 inches below grade
- Appeal deadline
- 10 working days (7 for removal notice)
- Enforcing agency
- City urban forester / department
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, cutting, removing, or treating a protected tree, or excavating within its drip line, requires a free tree work permit from the department under Bloomington Municipal Code § 12.24.070. When the city itself orders removal of a tree under § 12.24.050, it must post an informational placard on the tree at least ten working days beforehand explaining the reason and the planned removal date.
(1)Except in emergency situations described in Section 12.24.070(3)(b), any tree subject to these provisions that is scheduled for removal by the city shall have an informational placard placed on the tree a minimum of ten working days before tree removal. The placard shall specify the reason for tree removal, projected removal date, and contact information.(2)If removal of a tree subject to these provisions is necessary , the property owners shall pay for complete tree removal at their own costs and replacement trees of value equal to current standards shall be planted on site or at a location owned or controlled by the city, and determined by the urban forester or their designee.
Full Breakdown
020. 070. The department issues these permits free of charge and reviews every application against the policies in the City of Bloomington Tree Care Manual; permits are automatically granted once the board of zoning appeals, plan commission, or Common Council approves a matter affecting a protected tree. A single or continuous bond is required from whoever performs the tree work, payable to the city, though a bond for planting activity alone is not required. 025's citywide goal of planting twenty percent more trees than are removed.
060 requires the stump to be ground to twenty-four inches below grade and the cavity filled and leveled, though the urban forester may allow a shallower grind where utilities are in the way. No permit is required for emergency removals by the city or utilities, minor pruning under twenty percent of a tree's canopy, or tree work tied to road, curb, sidewalk, or utility construction. 090 except by written department approval for storm-damaged trees or those under utility wires.
Violations & Fines
A notice of violation (NOV) under § 12.24.110 goes to the property owner or the person who caused the violation, and § 12.24.120 allows an official warning first, then a penalty up to the statutory limit set by Indiana Code § 36-1-3-8 once a written NOV issues. If the responsible party doesn't fix the violation, the city legal department can sue to collect fines, and if the city abates the nuisance itself, the cost becomes a lien collected with property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Bloomington?
What happens if the city orders my tree removed?
Who pays to remove a protected tree and replant?
What's the fine for cutting a protected tree without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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