Tree removal permit rules in Fort Wayne, IN — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Private trees can be removed without a permit. Street trees in the right-of-way need an Urban Forestry permit. Dead or hazardous street trees are removed free by the city.
Trees entirely on private residential property in Fort Wayne can be removed by the owner without a city permit, with no replacement requirement. Street trees (also called tree-lawn or parkway trees) in the right-of-way between sidewalk and curb are owned by the city and administered by Urban Forestry; removal requires a permit and the city generally prefers to handle removal itself. The city removes dead or hazardous street trees at no cost to the adjoining homeowner. Commercial developments and properties in certain overlay districts (such as downtown and riverfront development zones) have tree preservation and replacement standards under UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) Article 6. Cutting a street tree without authorization triggers replacement-value billing using the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers formula.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Fort Wayne's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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