Champaign, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Champaign, IL, 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 issuer
- Director of Public Works
- Permit fee
- None, issued free of charge
- Unauthorized removal charge
- Equal to tree's appraised value
- Payment deadline
- 28 days after city notice
- Appraisal standard
- ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal
- Waiver available
- Yes, at Director's discretion
Summary
Champaign requires a free permit from the Director of Public Works before anyone removes, damages, or root-cuts a tree on city right-of-way, including parkway and street trees. Under Sec. 35-21, someone who removes a right-of-way tree without following the rules still owes the city the tree's appraised value, due within 28 days of notice.
(a)Required. Except for employees or agents acting under the direction of the Director of Public Works, no person shall perform any of the following acts without having first obtained a permit from the Director of Public Works...:(1)Plant, treat, trim, prune, root cut, remove, spray or damage any tree on public property; provided, however, that this provision shall not be construed to prohibit property owners from planting, watering, or maintaining trees in compliance with this article or to prevent imminent injury or damage to persons or property....(d)Charge for removing tree. If any person removes any tree located on the City right-of-way, the person directing or causing the tree removal shall pay to the City an amount equal to the value of the tree. The payment shall be made within twenty-eight (28) days after notice to the responsible party by the City. The value of the tree shall be determined in accordance with the most recent "Guide for Plant Appraisal," as published by the International Society of Arboriculture or its successor publication.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Section 35-21 of the Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful for anyone other than Public Works employees or permit holders to plant, treat, trim, prune, root cut, remove, spray, or damage any tree on public property. The Director of Public Works issues the permit when the act would abate a nuisance, would not violate the department's tree standards, would not endanger anyone, and furthers the city's goal of keeping its property safe and attractive; the Director may attach conditions to the permit. Permits under this section carry no application fee.
Separately, Sec. 35-21(d) imposes a direct financial consequence for removing a right-of-way tree: the person who removes it, or directs its removal, must pay the city an amount equal to the tree's value, determined under the International Society of Arboriculture's 'Guide for Plant Appraisal.' Payment is due within 28 days after the city gives notice, though the Director of Public Works can waive the charge if the removal serves the city's interest. Ownership of every tree within the right-of-way rests with the city under Sec.
35-22, and any tree whose boundary status is unclear is presumed to sit within the right-of-way and therefore is city property. The permit requirement does not stop a property owner from watering or routinely maintaining a right-of-way tree, or from acting to prevent imminent injury or property damage, without a permit.
Violations & Fines
Removing or damaging a public-property tree without a Sec. 35-21 permit exposes the responsible party to the tree's full appraised value under subsection (d), billed by the city and due in 28 days. Because the city owns right-of-way trees under Sec. 35-22, unpermitted removal is also treated as interference with city property, and violations tied to this article are declared absolute liability offenses and public nuisances under Sec. 35-24.1, abatable through Chapter 22.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove the tree in the parkway in front of my Champaign house?
What happens if I cut down a right-of-way tree without a permit?
Who actually owns the trees on the parkway strip in Champaign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Champaign
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