Tree removal permit rules in Bronx County, NY — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removal of any street tree in The Bronx requires a NYC Parks permit and is rarely granted. Private tree removal on residential lots generally does not require a permit unless the site is in a Special Natural Area District or Landmark zone.
Under NYC Admin Code 18-107 and 18-129, the Parks Commissioner has exclusive authority over street and park trees. Removal is only approved for dead, hazardous, or irreparably damaged trees after Forestry inspection. When allowed, the applicant pays restitution equal to appraised value (often several thousand dollars) plus replacement planting. For private-property trees, no citywide removal permit applies, but Special Natural Area Districts (SNAD), Special Hillsides, and Landmark districts require CPC or LPC approval.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Bronx County, NY
Open burning is prohibited in Bronx County under both NYC Fire Code FC 307 and 6 NYCRR Part 215. Burning leaves, brush, trash, or yard waste is illegal year-...
Bronx County, NY
Bronx County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. No WUI maps, Cal Fire-equivalent designations, or Chapter 7A-style construction rules apply in NYC.
Bronx County, NY
Bronx County follows NYC Fire Code (Title 29). Open flames and recreational fires are prohibited on terraces, balconies, roofs, and within 10 feet of combust...
Bronx County, NY
Backyard recreational fires are only allowed at 1-2 family homes with private yards, using approved portable fire pits under 3 feet wide. Apartment buildings...
Bronx County, NY
NYC Administrative Code 27-2045 requires working smoke alarms in every dwelling unit. Since 2019 all replacement alarms must be sealed 10-year battery or har...
Bronx County, NY
The Bronx is a dense urban borough with no wildland-urban interface, so there is no defensible space ordinance. Property owners must still maintain lots free...
See how Bronx County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.