Tree removal permit rules in New York, NY — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
NYC Parks Department regulates all street trees and trees in parks. Removing or damaging a city street tree without authorization violates Admin Code §18-129 and carries fines up to $15,000 per tree. Private property trees over 6 inches DBH in certain zones require Parks Department permits under Local Law 3 of 2010.
NYC has among the strongest urban tree protections in the US. All street trees (those in the public right-of-way) are under the jurisdiction of NYC Parks and cannot be removed, pruned, or damaged without Parks Department authorization under Admin Code §18-129. Damage to or removal of a street tree without permission carries penalties of $500–$15,000 per tree based on appraised value. Under Local Law 3 of 2010, private property trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or more located in Special Natural Area Districts (SNAD) or mapped tree-change areas require a permit before removal. The Parks Department uses a tree replacement formula — often requiring 2:1 replacement planting or payment into a tree fund. NYC has over 7 million trees including approximately 600,000 street trees mapped in the NYC Street Tree Census. The city's MillionTreesNYC initiative (now succeeded by NYC Parks forestry programs) has emphasized expanding the urban canopy.
Unauthorized removal of a street tree: $500–$15,000 per tree based on appraised value. Damage to a street tree: fine plus full restoration cost. Violations are issued by Parks Enforcement and adjudicated at OATH. Criminal charges possible for willful destruction.
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See how New York's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
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