Tree removal permit rules in Franklin County, 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.
Franklin County, OH
Barking-dog complaints in unincorporated Franklin County are handled under ORC 955.11 (nuisance dog) and ORC 2917.11. The Franklin County Animal Shelter and ...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County encourages EV charging station installation. Columbus operates over 100 public charging stations through Smart Columbus initiative. Residenti...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County overnight parking rules vary by jurisdiction. Columbus allows on-street overnight parking except during snow emergencies and permit zones. Su...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County unincorporated areas follow Ohio Revised Code §4511.66 for street parking. Columbus City Code §2151 governs parking in the city and limits co...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County prohibits commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR from parking in residential zones overnight per Columbus Code §2151.09. ORC §4511.681 regu...
Franklin County, OH
Franklin County driveways require permits from Franklin County Engineer for county road access or from municipal engineering for city streets. Columbus Code ...
See how Franklin County'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.