Tree removal permit rules in Newton, MA — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Newton Urban Tree Preservation Ordinance regulates removal of significant private trees and all public shade trees under MGL c.87; permits and mitigation often required.
Newton has one of the stronger urban tree protection regimes among Massachusetts suburbs. The Newton Urban Tree Preservation Ordinance regulates removal of large private trees on residential lots undergoing construction or significant site work, typically requiring a permit, replacement plantings, or payment into the city tree fund. All public shade trees (including any tree in the public right-of-way) are protected under MGL Chapter 87 and cannot be removed without Tree Warden approval and a public hearing. Removal of a protected tree without permit can result in fines, restoration orders, and calculated tree value penalties (often thousands of dollars). Dead, dying, or hazardous trees typically receive expedited review. Routine removal of small non-significant trees on private land not undergoing construction is generally unrestricted.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Newton, MA
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Newton, MA
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Newton, MA
Under MGL c.90 s.22D, Newton can tow vehicles left on public ways for more than 72 hours. Unregistered or inoperable vehicles on private property must be sto...
Newton, MA
Newton requires curb cut permits from DPW for new driveways, with maximum widths of 20 feet for single-family homes. Impervious surface coverage is limited b...
Newton, MA
Massachusetts MGL Chapter 49 governs boundary fences between neighbors, establishing shared maintenance where fences are mutual and providing fence viewer pr...
Newton, MA
Retaining walls in Newton over 4 feet in height measured from footing to top require a building permit and engineered design per 780 CMR.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
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