Tree removal permit rules in Lowell, MA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Removing a public shade tree in Lowell requires action by the tree warden and, under MGL c. 87, sec. 3, a posted and published public hearing with at least seven days' notice; no abutting owner may remove such a tree on their own. Removing vegetation on private property may also require a Conservation Commission permit under Lowell Code section 227-3(L).
Tree removal in Massachusetts is governed by MGL Chapter 87 (Shade Trees), which preempts local removal of public shade trees. Under MGL c. 87, sec. 1, trees within or on the borders of a public way are presumed to be public shade trees, and under sec. 3 they shall not be cut down or removed without a written permit from the tree warden and a public hearing, with notice posted in two or more public places and on the tree at least seven days before the hearing and published in a newspaper. Section 4 requires the approval of the mayor (in a city) for certain removals, and section 6 sets penalties for violations. For trees and vegetation on private property, the City of Lowell Code section 227-3(L) expressly preserves the requirement that an owner obtain, from the Conservation Commission or any other appropriate board or agency, all necessary permits and approvals for the removal of regulated vegetation, for example where wetlands or buffer-zone resource areas are involved under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (MGL c. 131, sec. 40).
Cutting down or removing a public shade tree without a tree warden's permit and hearing violates MGL c. 87, sec. 3 and is punishable under MGL c. 87, sec. 6; willful injury or destruction of a public tree carries a fine of up to $500 under MGL c. 87, sec. 12. Removing protected vegetation without a required Conservation Commission permit can trigger enforcement orders and fines under the Wetlands Protection Act.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lowell, MA
Lowell Code Section 204-4C(1)-(4) declares unlawful any unnecessary motor noise (backfiring, racing, tire-screeching), improper horn/signaling-device use, di...
Lowell, MA
Lowell Code Section 204-3 sets a full district-by-time dBA table (residential 40-50 dB(A), industrial up to 70 dB(A) daytime), measured at the property bound...
Lowell, MA
Lowell restricts gas-powered leaf blower use to daytime hours; no outright ban exists, but decibel and hour limits apply under the general noise ordinance.
Lowell, MA
Outdoor music at restaurants, breweries, and event venues in Lowell requires an entertainment license and must end by 10 p.m. in residential zones.
Lowell, MA
Lowell Code Chapter 204, Section 204-3 sets district-based dBA limits keyed to time of day. In single- and two-family residential districts the limit drops t...
Lowell, MA
Lowell Code Section 204-4C(12) makes it unlawful to operate any radio, stereo, loudspeaker, instrument or other sound-reproducing device so as to disturb a r...
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