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York County, PA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Tree removal permit rules in York County, PA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

Key Facts

Single-tree permit
None (municipal)
E&S plan trigger
5,000 sq ft disturbance
NPDES trigger
1 acre or more
Reviewing authority
York County Conservation District
State rule
25 Pa Code Ch. 102

Summary

York County requires no permit to remove a single tree, but clearing land that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more triggers an erosion-and-sediment-control plan reviewed by the York County Conservation District under 25 Pa Code Chapter 102.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of York County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A person proposing earth disturbance activities shall develop, implement and maintain E&S BMPs... A written E&S Plan is required... The earth disturbance activity will result in a total earth disturbance of 5,000 square feet (464.5 square meters) or more.

View official code

Full Breakdown

There is no York County protected-tree permit for cutting a single tree on private property; that is a municipal matter. The genuine county-level control is on land-clearing and grading. Under the state Erosion and Sediment Control regulations (25 Pa Code Chapter 102, Clean Streams Law), any earth disturbance, including land clearing and grubbing, that totals 5,000 square feet or more requires a written E&S plan, and the York County Conservation District is the local delegated authority that reviews those plans and NPDES permit applications. Disturbances of one acre or more generally need NPDES permit coverage administered through the District.

Violations & Fines

Clearing 5,000+ square feet without a required E&S plan, or one acre without NPDES coverage, violates the Clean Streams Law and can bring DEP/District enforcement, stop-work orders, and civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a York County permit to remove one tree?
No. Single-tree removal on private land is not a county matter. But clearing land that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more needs an erosion-and-sediment-control plan reviewed by the Conservation District.
Who reviews land-clearing plans in York County?
The York County Conservation District reviews erosion-and-sediment-control plans and NPDES permit applications for earth disturbance under 25 Pa Code Chapter 102.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in York County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundHeavy RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All York County rules

Compare York County to another location·View the Pennsylvania landscaping rules overview

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