Tree removal permit rules in Montgomery County, MD — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Montgomery County has three tree protection laws: Forest Conservation Law (Chapter 22A), Roadside Tree Law (Chapter 49), and Tree Canopy Law (Chapter 55). Roadside/street tree removal requires permits from both the county and the state. Forest conservation plans required for properties over 40,000 sq ft undergoing development.
Chapter 22A of the Montgomery County Code (Forest Conservation Law) requires forest conservation plans for most development on properties over 40,000 sq ft where a sediment control permit is needed. The county aims for no net loss of forest. The Roadside Tree Law (Chapter 49, §§49-35, 49-36, 49-36A) requires permits to prune, disturb, or remove any street tree in a county right-of-way. Both county and Maryland DNR permits are required for street tree removal, with replacement required. The Tree Canopy Law (Chapter 55) requires new shade tree planting during development. Hazardous trees may be removed with a licensed tree expert's written assessment.
Unauthorized removal: $500 to $10,000 per tree. Replacement planting required. Street tree damage: city restitution costs.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County Code §31-14 prohibits parking heavy commercial vehicles (over 10,000 lbs, 21+ ft, 8+ ft high) on public residential roadways. One light com...
Montgomery County, MD
Abandoned vehicles in Montgomery County are subject to state and county law. MD Transportation Code §25-201+ defines abandonment; county can tag and tow vehi...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approve...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide. MD Criminal Law §10-619 covers...
See how Montgomery County's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.