Tree removal permit rules in Jefferson County, KY — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
LMCO Chapter 102 requires permits for removing trees in the public right-of-way throughout Jefferson County. Private property trees may be removed without a permit except in historic preservation districts. Unpermitted removal of ROW trees results in restoration cost assessments and citations.
Louisville Metro's Tree Ordinance (LMCO Chapter 102, 2017) requires a permit from the Division of Urban Forestry before removing any tree in the public right-of-way or public spaces throughout Jefferson County. Private property tree removal requires no permit for standard residential lots, unless in a Local Preservation District or Design Overlay Zone. Trees cannot be planted in the public right-of-way without a permit and must be at least 1.5-inch caliper, branched 4.5 feet above ground, and at least 20 feet from street corners. Call Kentucky 811 before any planting near utilities. Permit applications go through Metro311 with a 30-day lead for bulk permits.
Removing a ROW tree without permit: citation and required restoration/replacement cost. Contractors working without permits: reported to Urban Forestry. Violations are cited per LMCO Chapter 102.
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) regulates barking dogs under LMCO Chapter 91. Dogs that bark, howl, or whine persistently in a manner unreasonably distur...
Jefferson County, KY
As part of Louisville Metro Government since 2003, Jefferson County follows LMCO § 99.03. Exterior construction within 100 feet of residential property is pr...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County and Louisville merged in 2003 to form Louisville Metro Government, so all unincorporated Jefferson County areas fall under LMCO Chapter 99 (...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC requires residential driveways in front or street-side yards to be no wider than 20 feet and surfaced with a hard or ...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC restricts RV and trailer parking in residential districts. RVs/boats over 25 feet or trailers over 16 feet are classi...
Jefferson County, KY
Jefferson County (Louisville Metro) LDC restricts large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Heavy Trucks (multi-axle vehicles, trailers over 16 feet) a...
See how Jefferson 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.