Tree removal permit rules in Howard County, MD — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
A homeowner can usually remove a tree on their own lot without a county permit. But clearing that disturbs 40,000 square feet or more, or removes a 'forest,' falls under Howard County's Forest Conservation program and the Maryland Forest Conservation Act, which can require a plan, retention or replanting.
Howard County has no ordinance requiring a permit to fell a single yard tree on an owner-occupied lot outside a protected easement. Larger land disturbance is governed by County Code Title 16, Subtitle 12 (Forest Conservation), which implements Maryland's Forest Conservation Act. The Act defines 'forest' as a biological community dominated by trees covering 10,000 square feet or more. When a subdivision, grading or sediment-control project disturbs 40,000 square feet or greater, the developer must submit a forest stand delineation and forest conservation plan, and satisfy retention or afforestation/reforestation requirements. Roadside and easement trees have separate protections.
Clearing forest without an approved forest conservation plan violates the Act; Howard County can require reforestation, impose penalties and place mitigation surety, enforced by the Department of Planning and Zoning.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Howard County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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