Tree removal permit rules in Georgetown, TX — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Georgetown's UDC Chapter 8 protects Protected Trees (12-inch DBH) and Heritage Trees (26-inch DBH listed species). Removal requires city approval and mitigation, but residential lots platted before February 13, 2007 are exempt. Dead and hazardous trees are also exempt.
Georgetown regulates tree removal through Unified Development Code (UDC) Chapter 8 (Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Fencing). The code defines a Protected Tree as a tree (excluding species like Hackberry, Chinaberry, and Ashe Juniper/cedar) with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 12 inches or larger, and a Heritage Tree as a listed species (Live Oak, Post Oak, several other oaks, Bald Cypress, American Elm, Cedar Elm, Pecan, Walnut, Texas Ash, or Southern Magnolia) of 26 inches DBH or larger (UDC Section 8.01.040). Removal of Protected and Heritage Trees generally requires city approval through a tree removal permit or development authorization (Section 8.02.030). Importantly for existing homeowners, the code exempts residential lots platted prior to February 13, 2007, along with dead trees, hazardous trees, trees in required sight triangles or airport zones, and agricultural uses (Section 8.02.030.D). When removal is approved, mitigation is required: Protected Trees mitigate at roughly a 1:1 inch-for-inch basis (higher for larger trees) and Heritage Trees at a 3:1 inch basis (Section 8.02.050), with options including replacement plantings or a fee-in-lieu. Heritage Tree removal requests are submitted online through the city's permitting portal. Questions go to trees@georgetowntexas.gov.
Removing a Protected or Heritage Tree without required approval violates UDC Chapter 8 and exposes the owner to mitigation obligations (replacement plantings or fee-in-lieu) and code enforcement. Verify whether your lot qualifies for the pre-February 13, 2007 platted-residential exemption before removing any large tree.
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