Bristol, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Bristol, CT, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Bristol Code § 21-12(6)a
- Enforcing officer
- Tree warden (director of public works)
- Max fine
- $90.00 per separate offense
- Removal notice
- 5 working days posted before city removal
- Extra liability
- Cost of tree repair or replacement
Summary
In the City of Bristol, Connecticut, no one may plant, treat, prune, remove or otherwise disturb any tree, shrub or forested area on city-owned property without first getting the tree warden's authorization under Section 21-12(6)a of the Bristol Tree Ordinance. Violators face a fine up to ninety dollars per offense plus replacement costs.
(6)Tree protection. No person shall perform any of the following acts without first obtaining the authorization of the tree warden:a.Plant on city property, or treat, prune, remove or otherwise disturb any tree, shrub or forested area located on city owned property. ... (7)Prohibitions and penalties.a.Interference with the tree warden. No person shall unreasonably hinder, prevent, delay, or interfere with the tree warden and/or his/her agents while engaged in the execution or enforcement of this section.b.Violation and penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this section or who fails to comply with any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section upon being found guilty of violation, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed ninety dollars ($90.00) for each separate offense. Each day during which any violation of the provisions of this section occurs or continues shall be a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Section 21-12 of the Bristol Code of Ordinances, cited as the City of Bristol Tree Ordinance, designates the director of public works as tree warden under Connecticut General Statutes Section 23-58 and Section 46 of the City Charter. Subsection (6) makes tree protection an authorization system rather than an outright ban: no person may plant on city property, or treat, prune, remove or otherwise disturb any tree, shrub or forested area located on city owned property, without first obtaining the tree warden's authorization. Before the city itself removes a tree in a right-of-way or on city-owned land, subsection (4)c requires the tree warden to post a removal notice on the tree at least five working days ahead, except where the tree is an immediate hazard, and to hold a public hearing if anyone objects to the posted removal.
Subsection (7)a separately bars anyone from hindering, delaying or interfering with the tree warden or the warden's agents while they carry out this chapter. A violation of any tree-ordinance provision, including removing a city tree without authorization, is punishable under subsection (7)b by a fine not to exceed ninety dollars ($90.00) for each separate offense, with each day of continuing violation counted as its own offense. If the violation kills or mutilates a city tree or shrub, the violator also bears the cost of repair or replacement.
The tree warden refers findings of violation to a citation officer under Chapter 23, and a person cited has the right to appeal under that chapter.
Violations & Fines
Removing, cutting or disturbing a city-owned tree or shrub without the tree warden's authorization is punishable by a fine of up to ninety dollars ($90.00) per separate offense, with each day of continued violation a new offense, plus the cost of repairing or replacing any tree killed or mutilated in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who authorizes tree removal on Bristol city property?
What is the fine for removing a city tree without permission?
Does the tree warden have to give notice before removing a tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bristol
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