East Baton Rouge Parish, LA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in East Baton Rouge Parish, LA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Right-of-way trees
- Permit required (Sec. 18.5)
- Own-yard trees
- No permit
- Auto-issue
- 10 working days no action
- Large-site preserve
- 20% of 24-inch+ trees
- Replacement
- Two native Class A per tree
Summary
A permit from the Development Department is required to remove any tree or shrub in the public right-of-way. On sites over 2.5 acres, UDC preservation rules require keeping 20% of large trees and replacing removed significant trees with two native Class A trees.
A permit from the Development Department is required to remove any tree or shrub growing within the public right-of-way or other public property.
Full Breakdown
UDC Section 18.5 requires a Development Department permit to remove any tree or shrub growing in the public right-of-way or other public property, and removal is approved only for listed conditions such as uncorrectable growth, disease, an insecure root system, or interference with street use. If no action is taken within ten working days of a request, the permit is automatically issued; denials must come with written reasons. Separately, UDC Section 18.6.1 governs land clearing on parcels larger than 2.5 acres, requiring preservation or mitigation of at least 20% of healthy trees 24 inches DBH or greater from the significant-species list. Ordinary trees on an owner's residential lot need no permit.
Violations & Fines
Removing a right-of-way tree without the required Sec. 18.5 permit is a code violation; permits may require replacement plantings or a damage bond. Large-site over-removal triggers the Sec. 18.6.1 two-for-one native replacement duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a tree-removal permit?
What happens on a big development site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Baton Rouge Parish
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