Kyle, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Kyle's tree removal permit process sits in § 54-12(f), 'Tree removal permit.' Before removing any protected tree (12 to 24.9999 inches in diameter) or specimen tree (24 or 8 inches and up, by species, under Table 1), the property owner 'must first submit a tree removal plan for approval.' That plan has to show 'which tree(s) will be removed (as shown on a site plan)' under § 54-12(f)(1), describe 'how the removal will be performed (and machinery and equipment needed), and the date and time when the anticipated removal will occur' under (f)(2), and, when a protected or specimen tree is involved, attach a letter of justification for the removal including photographs and, where appropriate, a letter of condition from a certified arborist, under (f)(3).

For dead, hazardous or storm-damaged specimen and protected trees that an ISA Certified Arborist has verified, the director of planning and community development can skip the full plan and issue an administrative tree removal approval instead, consistent with the streamlined process in § 54-12(d)(5). Trees flagged for removal or preservation on a site over 12 inches in diameter must be tagged and numbered in the field, with the tags staying up until the certificate of occupancy is issued, per § 54-12(d)(3). Removing a tree without going through this plan and approval process is expressly prohibited under that same subsection, and any tree removed or damaged without approval must go through a mitigation reconciliation submittal before the city will sign off on a final inspection or certificate of occupancy under § 54-12(g)(5)a.