Lafayette Parish, LA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Lafayette Parish, LA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Scope
- City of Lafayette only, not parish
- Governs
- Public property and right-of-way trees
- Approval needed from
- City arborist before removal or pruning
- Private trees
- Not regulated by this article
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 30 days jail
Summary
In the City of Lafayette, removing, pruning, or treating any tree or shrub on public property or in a public right-of-way requires prior consultation with the city arborist, but the rule doesn't reach private trees or the unincorporated parish.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person desiring to remove, destroy, prune (including the root system) or treat any tree or shrub on public property or in a public right-of-way, or place upon the ground any impervious substance within the covered area or dripline of any tree in such public place, shall first consult with the arborist.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
City Code Article V (Sec. 78-291 to 78-298) governs trees on public property and in public rights-of-way within the City of Lafayette only. Sec. 78-292 states the article 'applies only in the city.' Anyone wanting to remove, destroy, prune, or treat a public tree, or dump fill within its dripline, must first consult the city arborist; work done by a city-parish department is exempt. Removal is allowed only if the tree obstructs use of the property, blocks an approved construction project, endangers pedestrians or drivers, or is diseased, damaged, or hazardous. Private trees on private land aren't covered, and the unincorporated parish and the parish's other municipalities (Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville, Milton) fall outside this article entirely.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Code carries a fine up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, under the Code's general penalty clause; each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover trees on my private property in Lafayette?
Does this apply in unincorporated Lafayette Parish?
When can the city remove a tree from public property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana landscaping rules overview
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