Meridian, ID Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Meridian, ID, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Protection threshold
- 4-inch caliper or greater
- Mitigation rate
- Up to 100% caliper replacement
- Applies to
- All districts, development projects only
- Fence approval
- City of Meridian Parks arborist
Summary
Meridian requires site and landscape plans to protect existing trees of four-inch caliper or larger during development, and mandates full-caliper mitigation for any that are removed, citywide in all zoning districts.
A.Purpose. The regulations of this section are intended to preserve existing trees four-inch caliper or greater from destruction during the development process. ... 5.Mitigation.a.Mitigation shall be required for all existing trees four-inch caliper or greater that are removed from the site with equal replacement of the total calipers lost on site up to an amount of one hundred (100) percent replacement.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Under Meridian City Code § 11-3B-10, any development project must show all existing trees of four-inch caliper or greater on its landscape plan and mark each for retention or removal. Retained trees need construction protection fencing approved by the City of Meridian Parks Department arborist. Trees that are removed must be mitigated with equal replacement of the calipers lost, up to 100 percent replacement: for example, a ten-inch tree can be replaced with five four-inch trees. The rule applies citywide to development applications in every zoning district; it is not a standalone permit for a homeowner cutting a tree outside the development review process.
Violations & Fines
No specific fine is listed; enforcement runs through plan review: protection fencing needs City Arborist approval before construction, and removed trees require mitigation plantings before landscaping sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a large tree from my own yard in Meridian?
What counts as a protected tree here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Meridian
Compare Meridian to another location·View the Idaho landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle tree removal & heritage trees.