Tree removal permit rules in District of Columbia, DC — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
DC has strong tree removal protections. Trees 44-100 inches in circumference require a removal permit from DDOT's Urban Forestry Division. Heritage Trees over 100 inches cannot be removed. The Urban Forest Preservation Act mandates replacement planting for removed trees.
DC's tree removal regulations are among the strictest in the nation. Under the Urban Forest Preservation Act and Tree Canopy Protection Act, trees on public space with a circumference of 44 to 100 inches require a removal permit from DDOT's Urban Forestry Division (UFD). Heritage Trees — those over 100 inches in circumference — cannot be removed under any circumstances. For private property trees, the District also regulates removal of significant trees and may require replacement planting. The replacement ratio depends on the size and species of the removed tree. Special Tree removal permits require payment into the Tree Fund if replacement on-site is not feasible. Developers must incorporate tree preservation into site plans, and construction activities must protect root zones of existing trees.
Unauthorized tree removal: fines based on tree size, potentially $10,000+ for Heritage Trees. Replacement planting or Tree Fund payment required.
District of Columbia, DC
Amplified music in DC is regulated under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 27 and DC Code section 22-1321 (disorderly conduct). Residential noise limits are 60 dBA dayti...
District of Columbia, DC
The District of Columbia enforces one of the nation's strictest leaf blower laws. Under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 (DC Law 22-169), the...
District of Columbia, DC
DC has no citywide overnight parking ban, but Residential Parking Permit (RPP) zones limit non-residents to 2 hours on weekdays 7 AM-8:30 PM. Out-of-state ve...
District of Columbia, DC
DC prohibits abandoned vehicles on public streets after 72 hours of continuous parking under DC Code section 50-2421.02 and DCMR 18-2405. Vehicles with expir...
District of Columbia, DC
All residential pools and spas in DC must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2017 DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12-A Appendix G, based on IRC Appendix G). Mi...
District of Columbia, DC
Retaining walls in DC require a DOB building permit when over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing or when supporting a surcharge (driveway, s...
See how District of Columbia'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.