Tree removal permit rules in Cincinnati, OH — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Cincinnati requires a permit before removing any public tree. CMC Chapter 743 prohibits removal of public trees without replacing them with trees of equivalent dollar value. The Urban Forest Manager determines tree value based on species, size, location, and condition. Permit applications must be approved or denied within 15 days.
Under CMC Chapter 743, no person may remove any public tree in Cincinnati without first obtaining a permit from the Urban Forestry Division. Applicants must replace any removed public tree with trees of equivalent dollar value in the vicinity of the removed tree. The Urban Forest Manager determines the value of trees in accordance with regulations that consider species, location, size, and condition. If no suitable planting location exists nearby or if the replacement tree is of lesser value, the person who caused the removal must make a compensatory payment to the City equal to the difference in value. Every permit application must be approved or disapproved within 15 days after filing. Removal of a public tree without a permit constitutes a violation of the municipal code and may result in fines plus compensatory restitution for the appraised value of the tree. Private tree removal on residential property does not require a city permit in most cases, though trees in designated historic districts or those subject to planned development conditions may have additional protections.
Removing a public tree without a permit is a code violation subject to fines and compensatory restitution for the full appraised tree value.
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See how Cincinnati's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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