Tree removal permit rules in Orange County, NY — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
No countywide tree-preservation law exists in Orange County NY. Towns with scenic or steep-slope concerns (Cornwall, Warwick, Tuxedo, Woodbury) have tree-removal ordinances tied to viewsheds or hillsides. DEC wetlands (6 NYCRR 663) regulate disturbance statewide.
Orange County has not adopted a countywide tree-removal law, leaving regulation to individual municipalities. Scenic-overlay and hillside towns typically require a permit before large-scale removal. Town of Cornwall requires a tree-removal permit in ridge-line and scenic-road overlay districts. Town of Warwick Steep Slopes ordinance limits clearing on slopes over 15 percent. Town of Tuxedo and Woodbury require site-plan review before clearing more than 10,000 sq ft. Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson has a Tree Preservation law. DEC freshwater-wetlands jurisdiction (6 NYCRR Part 663) applies within regulated wetlands and their 100 ft adjacent areas statewide; permit required before cutting. NYSDOT approval is required for trees within state-highway right-of-way. Most rural towns (Deerpark, Minisink, Crawford) remain permissive, allowing removal on private land without a permit.
Tree removal without town permit (Cornwall/Warwick): $500-$2,500 per tree plus replacement. DEC wetland violation: $500-$10,000 per day.
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See how Orange County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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