Tree removal permit rules in Columbus, OH — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Street tree removal in Franklin County municipalities requires a city permit and often tree-replacement fees. Removal of private trees on residential lots is generally permit-free except in designated conservation districts, ravine overlay zones, and historic districts. Columbus protects heritage trees under Code 911.11.
Removing any street tree anywhere in Columbus requires a permit from Recreation and Parks Forestry Section; the city typically requires removal justification and a replacement tree. Suburbs including Upper Arlington and Worthington impose similar street-tree protections. For private-property trees, Columbus does not generally regulate removal on single-family residential lots, with exceptions: ravine overlay districts (such as along the Scioto and Olentangy), the Italian Village and Victorian Village historic districts, and any tree meeting heritage-tree criteria under Columbus Code 911.11. Bexley and Upper Arlington have stronger private-tree protection rules requiring permits above certain DBH thresholds (commonly 6 to 10 inches). Always check with city forestry before removing any tree visible from a public way.
Illegal removal of a Columbus street tree can trigger appraised-value charges frequently exceeding 1,000 dollars per tree plus required replacement. Heritage tree violations carry civil penalties under Code 911.99. Suburban cities may assess similar replacement assessments.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
See how other cities in Franklin County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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