Lakeville, MN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 11-21-11, Tree Preservation, applies to new subdivisions under title 10, developments needing site plan approval under chapter 9, building permits for new single family or duplex construction on a vacant lot of record, and building permits for additions that enlarge an existing home's footprint on lots of an acre or larger, plus any land disturbing activity regulated under section 11-16-7. Under subsection D.1, no land disturbance or tree removal can occur on a covered property until the city forester approves both a tree preservation plan and a tree replacement plan.

Subsection F sets the removal thresholds: residential development may remove or disturb up to forty percent of the total diameter inches of significant trees on the property without any replacement obligation, while mixed use, commercial, industrial, and special districts get a seventy percent allowance; the calculation runs through common trees, then significant coniferous trees, then significant hardwood deciduous trees before any excess is charged against the limit. Removal beyond the applicable threshold must be replaced according to the schedule in subsection G, at rates from 12.5 percent of the excess diameter inches for common trees up to 100 percent for heritage trees.

Dead trees, diseased trees under a forester's direction, invasive-listed trees, orchard or tree farm stock, and trees within major collector or arterial rights of way are exempt from the threshold math. The city forester inspects the site during construction to confirm the approved plan is being followed.