Tree removal permit rules in Noblesville, IN — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Per Noblesville UDC § 159.083 (Preservation of Existing Natural Features) and § 159.183, clearance of trees and vegetation during the land development process is limited to that necessary for and directly related to the construction of improvements specifically authorized by the improvement location permit. No trees may be removed from a development — nor any change of grade affected — until the primary plat is approved. Removal of any street tree or tree on City property requires an Urban Forester permit under Code Chapter 97. Tree removal on a fully private lot outside development review is generally permitted without a City permit.
Noblesville's tree removal framework operates on two tracks: (1) Land Development track — UDC § 159.083 requires existing features (trees, watercourses, beaches, historic spots) to be preserved in the design; no trees may be removed and no grade may be changed until the primary plat is approved; all trees identified on the plat for retention must be welled and protected against grade change; trees with a minimum 6-inch diameter must be inventoried on a Tree Preservation Plan listing locations, sizes, common names of preserved trees, individual shrubs, dense tree/shrub concentrations, and other natural features to be preserved or removed. § 159.183 further limits clearance during land development to that necessary for and directly related to the construction of improvements specifically authorized by the improvement location permit. (2) Public Tree track — Chapter 97 (Street Trees) and the Arboricultural Specifications Manual require Urban Forester permits for any work on trees within City rights-of-way or on City-owned land. A certified arborist hired by an owner-occupant must secure the permit before performing removal. Trees on private property and outside any platted preservation area or heritage designation may generally be removed without a City permit, subject to HOA covenants. Indiana's IC 25-36.5 (Timber Buyers) and common law expose anyone who cuts a tree on another's property to treble damages.
Removing a tree from a development site without an approved primary plat, removing a tree designated for retention on a Tree Preservation Plan, or clearing beyond what is authorized by the improvement location permit, violates UDC § 159.083 / § 159.183 and stops issuance of further permits. Removing a street tree or tree on City property without an Urban Forester permit violates Chapter 97 with penalties under § 97.99 plus restitution at the appraised value. Damaging or cutting timber on a neighbor's land exposes the actor to treble (3x) damages under IC 25-36.5 and Indiana common law.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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