Tree removal permit rules in Lehigh County, PA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Lehigh County sets no tree-removal permit. Allentown requires a permit only for public right-of-way trees. But any land clearing disturbing 5,000 square feet or more triggers a written erosion plan reviewed by the Lehigh County Conservation District.
Removing a tree entirely on your own private lot generally needs no county or, in most municipalities, city permit, because Pennsylvania counties do not zone and private trees fall outside Allentown's Chapter 597 (which covers public shade trees only). However, if clearing is part of an earth-disturbance project of 5,000 square feet or more, PA's Chapter 102 (25 Pa. Code §102.4) requires a written Erosion and Sediment Control plan. The Lehigh County Conservation District administers Chapter 102 under delegation from PA DEP, reviewing E&S and stormwater plans, inspecting sites, and responding to complaints. Best-management practices are required even for disturbances under 5,000 square feet.
Clearing 5,000+ sq ft without a Chapter 102 E&S plan violates state law; PA DEP and the Conservation District can order compliance and assess penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Lehigh County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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