Tree removal permit rules in Louisville, 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 before removing any tree in the public right-of-way. Private property tree removal does not require a permit unless the tree is in a public space or preservation district. The 2017 Tree Ordinance created the Louisville Metro Tree Advisory Committee. Penalties apply for unpermitted ROW tree removal.
Under LMCO Chapter 102 (Tree Ordinance, enacted December 2017), a permit from the Division of Urban Forestry is required before removing any tree in the public right-of-way or public space. Private property trees may be removed by the property owner without a permit, subject to any deed restrictions, HOA rules, or historic preservation district requirements. Trees in Local Preservation Districts or Design Overlay Zones require additional review. New trees planted in the public right-of-way must be at least 1.5-inch caliper, branched to 4.5 feet above ground, and planted at least 20 feet from street corner intersections. Utility Kentucky 811 must be called before any planting. Applications for removal permits are filed via Metro311 with at least a 30-day lead time for bulk permits.
Removing a public ROW tree without a permit: citation, potential restoration/replacement cost assessed to the responsible party. Private property tree removal without permit (where required in preservation districts): restoration orders. Unpermitted contractors can be reported to Urban Forestry.
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See how Louisville's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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